The Largest Single-Building Airport Terminal: Beijing Daxing vs. Beijing Capital T3: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to the world's largest single-building airport terminal, the debate often revolves around two contenders: Beijing Daxing International Airport's Terminal 1 and Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3 (T3). Both terminals, each with their unique architectural features and impressive statistics, compete for the title of the largest in the world.

About Beijing Daxing International Airport's Terminal 1

Opened in September 2019, Beijing Daxing International Airport's new Terminal 1 is widely recognized as the largest single-structure airport terminal in the world. Situated just outside Beijing, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to handle a staggering 72 million passengers annually by 2025, integrated into a sprawling complex with six runways and a capacity to eventually expand to ten runways.

The terminal, built by ADP Ingenierie Architects and Zaha Hadid Studios, covers an impressive 1,430,000 square meters, making it significantly larger than its predecessor. This terminal is not just a testament to modern engineering but also a marvel of architecture, featuring a unique starfish-shaped layout that maximizes space and passenger convenience. The design incorporates extensive natural lighting and spacious interior areas, providing a sophisticated yet comfortable experience for travelers.

Comparing Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3 (T3) with T3's Architecture and Capacity

Before the inauguration of Beijing Daxing International Airport, Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), opened in 2008, briefly held the title of the largest airport terminal. Designed to handle up to 60 million passengers annually, T3 covers an area of approximately 1,300,000 square meters.

Technically, T3 comprises three individual buildings connected by a train, each with its unique role in the overall terminal complex. The main building, T3C, covers about 500,000 to 600,000 square meters, while T3E and T3A each cover around 400,000 square meters. Together, they form a complex that is a world-class hub for both domestic and international travelers.

Understanding the Controversy: Size and Counting

The debate over which terminal is the largest often stems from a myriad of factors, including the interpretation of "single-building." In the case of Daxing, the main terminal has a vast footprint of 1,030,000 square meters, while the entire complex includes 1,430,000 square meters. In contrast, Beijing Capital's T3 is a multi-building complex, each of which is smaller individually but still contributes to a substantial overall size.

Another factor is the timeline of the projects. Beijing Daxing International Airport's Terminal 1 was built with the aim of reaching 72 million passengers annually by 2025, whereas Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport has been operating under full capacity, with 100,983,290 passengers passing through in 2018. This continuous high usage has pushed T3 to its limits, showcasing its impressive capacity.

Other Large Airports and Future Developments

While Beijing Daxing and Beijing Capital T3 are the primary contenders for the largest terminal, other airports like Istanbul New Airport also challenge the designation. Istanbul’s single-roof terminal claims an area of 1,440,000 square meters, slightly larger than Daxing's main building.

Future developments in these and other airports will further complicate the definition and measurement of the largest terminal. Projects like the expansion of Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3 and the construction of additional runways at Beijing Daxing International Airport will continue to push the boundaries of what is considered the largest terminal.

Conclusion

While both Beijing Daxing International Airport's Terminal 1 and Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3 are monumental feats of modern architecture and engineering, the title of the largest single-building airport terminal remains elusive. The distinction often depends on how size is defined and measured, but both terminals serve as impressive examples of the world's largest and most complex airport facilities.

Ultimately, the debate is not just about statistics; it’s about recognizing the unique development of each airport terminal, their contributions to global transportation, and the innovations they bring to the aviation industry.