Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) is a primary aviation hub located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the city center of Dalian, China. Serving as the busiest airport in Northeast China, it facilitates critical domestic connections and numerous regional international flights to destinations across East Asia. The airport is a vital engine for the economic development of the southern Liaoning Province, acting as a gateway for both global trade and the region's thriving tourism sector.

The current airport infrastructure features a substantial 135,000-square-meter terminal complex and a 3,300-meter Class 4E runway. In 2024, the facility handled over 19 million passengers, which has pushed the airport to its designed capacity. Due to its location amidst dense urban development, the airport is significantly constrained, leading to the ambitious development of its successor. Travelers at DLC currently navigate a multi-level terminal equipped with modern amenities, including automated check-in kiosks, digital passenger information systems, and a wide array of duty-free and retail options featuring international brands and local Liaoning products.

Looking toward the future, Dalian is set to transition its primary air operations to the new Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, which is currently under construction on a massive 21-square-kilometer artificial island. This replacement facility, expected to open its first phase around 2026, will eventually handle up to 70 million passengers annually, relieving the pressure on Zhoushuizi. Until the transition is complete, passengers at DLC are advised to allow ample time for check-in and security processing, especially during peak holiday periods when terminal volumes are exceptionally high. The airport continues to provide high-quality services, including multiple airline-specific lounges and a diverse range of dining options serving both authentic Chinese and international cuisines.