The terminal of Xiang'an international airport adopts an innovative configuration, utilizing the traditional architectural style of southern Fujian. [Photo/taihainet.com]

Construction of the new airport in Xiamen, in eastern Fujian province -- Xiang'an international airport – was given the green light by the State Council recently, according to officials.

The new airport will be located between Dadeng and Xiaodeng islands in Xiamen's Xiang'an district. The construction area is 46 square kilometers, of which 17 sq km will be reclaimed from the sea.

The airport will be constructed to 4F standards -- the highest international level for an airport -- and it will be equipped with a 3,800-meter-long runway. Officials said it will become one of China's major international airports, as well as being a regional hub airport, international cargo port airport, and cross-Straits communications airport.

Officials said it will effectively solve the present problem of the handling capacity in Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. The first phase of the airport will be able to handle more than 45 million passengers and it will be one of the largest single terminal airports in China.

Additionally, a new express way, a key support facility for Xiang'an airport, is under construction. The high standard of this road would lay an important foundation for the attraction of future investment to the new airport.