The renovation project got underway in 2014 and marks the biggest overhaul of Hongqiao since the airport first opened in 1921. The terminal building’s floorspace has been expanded by almost 40% and a new three-storey car park has been constructed.
“The higher ceilings will give the terminal a roomier and more welcoming feel,” Dai Xiaojian, deputy president of the Shanghai Airport Authority, was quoted saying by the Shanghai Daily. He added that security checks and customs inspections would be processed more quickly.
Work will continue in the coming months, with the full renovation scheduled to be completed by mid-2018. The old terminal building will remain closed until this time.
Once completed, the new T1 will be primarily a base for low-cost carrier Spring Airlines.
