Lanzhou Airport to become intl aviation port

Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (ZGC) has been approved by the government to further open-up to foreign airplanes on Dec 19 according to Gansu Daily. The approval will transform the airport into an international aviation port, having a positive and profound influence on the opening-up and development of Gansu province.

Approved by the State Council, Lanzhou airport was opened on a limited basis in 1992. It started a pilot run for foreign airplanes in 2010. For a long period, ZGC accelerated infrastructure construction, promoted port administration and service, improved exit-entry inspection facilities and built the Port Combination Examination Building.

The airport and airlines brought a surge of international passengers to Lanzhou. In 2012, the number of passengers reached 4.58 million, with 34,000 international passengers. From January 2013 to November 2013, the number of total passengers reached 52.23 million, including 84,000 international passengers. The all-year volume of passengers is estimated to reach 5.6 million, including 100,000 international passengers, ranking first among all provincial capital airports.

The General Administration of Customs assessed the opening preparation work of Lanzhou Airport. The airport has met all requirements, according to customs, and is the first and only airport in Gansu province open to foreign airplanes.