Hongqiao proposes runway, terminal

SHANGHAI: Hongqiao Airport, the city's second-largest air hub, is expected to see another runway and terminal by 2010, which will enable it to transport 40 million passengers a year by 2015.

The National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top planner, has given the proposal a green light. The feasibility report is yet to be approved. If the plan goes through, the airport will build a 3,300-meter runway and a 250,000-square-meter terminal as well as other amenities, costing a total of 15.3 billion yuan ($1.98 billion).

The expansion, toward the northwest, is expected to be completed by 2010, when the city will host the World Expo.