New airport planned for Hohhot

Hohhot plans to build a new airport in an effort to ease congestion at Hohhot Baita International Airport, according to information released at a meeting held on Feb 28.

The new airport will be established in Horinger New Area, around 30 kilometers to the southwest of the downtown area.

The airport represents a major national program and will be a first-class facility, linking the city with other parts of China and abroad, said Vice-mayor Liu Wenyu.

With a total investment of 22.37 billion yuan ($3.34 billion), the airport is expected to handle 28 million passengers and 200,000 tons of cargo annually by 2030 and 2025 respectively, said Liu.

According to the local government, the new airport will help the city in its goal to become a major hub along the Belt and Road, boosting its economy and raising living standards.