Hongqiao-Airport1.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
The Terminal 1 of Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport is scheduled to undergo its most extensive renovation since the terminal's inauguration in 1921.
The overhaul, which will start before the end of the year, will include the expansion of the floor area by almost 40 percent and the raising of the terminal's ceiling.
These changes, respectively, are aimed at making it much easier for passengers arriving by taxi or via the Metro to navigate the terminal and giving it a more welcoming feel, said Li Derun, president of the Shanghai Airport Authority, during a press conference.
The goal of the entire renovation project is to provide a more satisfying experience to patrons of the airport, but not necessarily to increase its capacity.
"Though capacity will not be significantly increased, the level of service will be greatly upgraded," Li said.
In anticipation of the renovation, the 10 check-in counters serving Spring Airlines will be relocated on Thursday to Building B from Building A, where they are currently stationed.
The airline will also move boarding from gate 4 to gates 5, 6, and 7.
Signs will be put up and extra staff and volunteers will be deployed to assist passengers in finding their way during the renovation, according to Wang Zhenghua, president of Spring Airlines.
"We will do all we can to make things run smoothly," Wang said.
Major features of the renovation project include the construction of a direct link to the terminal from the Yan'an Road highway, according to Jiang Yunqiang, the airport authority's project manager.
For the further convenience of motorists, a two-story parking lot will be erected in front of the terminal building. The Hong Gang Hotel near Building A, meanwhile, will be demolished to create more space, the project manager said.
The project is expected to be finished by 2017, Li said. Operations of the terminal will not be interrupted while renovation progresses.
