The Terminal 5 at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport in northwest China's Xi'an City, which officially began operation on Thursday, features an advanced design that emphasizes both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The newly opened terminal, covering an area of 700,000 square meters, enables both domestic and international passengers to depart from the same floor, eliminating the need to change levels.
The terminal is equipped with eight check-in counter areas, 60 self-service check-in kiosks, and a new smart luggage handling system that can deliver luggage to its designated location in just 5 minutes and 18 seconds at the fastest speed.
Additionally, in the border inspection area, the waiting area for passengers has expanded from 1,200 square meters to 6,500 square meters, along with notable improvements in enforcement facilities and customs clearance.
"Our airport has greatly expanded the number of passenger inspection channels from 42 in Terminal 3 to 72 in Terminal 5. Our fast-track channels use advanced technology to quickly read documents, allowing passengers to go through them in about 10 seconds, which is about one-third faster than before. This ensures maximum efficiency in passenger clearance," said Chen Kaihao, a police officer working at the airport's border inspection station.
The eco-friendly design is another highlight of the new terminal. By utilizing solar power, natural lighting, intelligent temperature control, and energy recovery systems, the terminal has effectively reduced carbon emissions and realized sustainability.
Notably, during its construction, the original runway concrete was recycled and repurposed, turning into the flooring inside the terminal.
"Through further polishing, processing, and cutting, the runway stone beneath my feet was transformed into a decorative tile, which was then used for the flooring in the terminal. The small offcuts and fragments from this process were repurposed for the drainage channels in the flight area, helping to reduce construction waste and environmental pollution," said Yang Shuai, a senior executive at China West Airport Group.
Xi'an airport's new terminal highlights operational efficiency, environmental sustainability
