Archive · 16 Aug 2025
World's Largest Airport Terminal In China Underused Six Years On
Imagine the world's biggest airport, but it's almost empty!
That's the case with a huge airport in China.
It was built to handle lots of people, like over 100 million each year.
However, not many people are using it right now.
Why?
Things like the pandemic, how airlines are changing what they do, and some issues between countries have made it quiet.
The airport is like a giant, empty museum.
Even though it's not busy, officials still want lots of people to use it in the future and see it as a big deal for China.
Beijing Daxing International Airport's Terminal 1 is significantly underused nearly six years after its opening.
The terminal was designed to handle over 100 million passengers annually but is currently operating at less than two-fifths of that capacity.
No new international airlines have launched service to Daxing this year, and some existing routes have reduced frequencies.
The underutilization is attributed to the lingering effects of COVID-19, shifting airline strategies, and geopolitical issues.
Despite current low traffic, officials still target 100 million travelers by 2040.
- Who
- Travelers, airport officials, airlines, and experts.
- What
- Beijing Daxing International Airport's Terminal 1 is underused despite being the world's largest.
- When
- Almost six years after opening in 2019; as of mid-2025.
- Where
- Beijing Daxing International Airport in China.
- Why
- Due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, changing airline strategies, and geopolitical issues.
Current Challenges
Long-term Optimism
Reasons for Low Traffic
Current Challenges
Underutilization is primarily due to COVID-19, shifting airline strategies, and geopolitical issues.
Long-term Optimism
The design and long-term vision of the airport remain sound despite current low traffic.
- Airport Name
- Beijing Daxing International Airport
- Terminal
- Terminal 1
- Opened
- 2019
- Designed Capacity
- Over 100 million passengers annually
- Current Utilization
- Less than two-fifths of the designed capacity
- Future Goal
- 100 million travelers by 2040