Since Sunday, December 2, 2011, Beijing’s Capital International Airport has canceled several hundred domestic and some international flights due to poor visibility. A severe smog has gripped the Chinese capital and its huge airport – yes, it is the largest airport in the world – is having to deal with air pollution related issues.
The buring of fossil fuel – coal powered energy consumption is very high in Beijing – and an abundance of automobiles has resulted in the city’s air quality being classified as “hazardous.” With cold weather and foggy conditions the soot and smoke in the air has made it almost impossible for flights to operate safely. While domestic airlines have been forced to cancel all flights until Tuesday midnight, international flights are continuing although with 2 or 3 hours delays.
Beijing Capital International Airport was completed just in time for the 2008 Olympic games in China. It has a floor area of 1.3 million sqm – the only airport in the world to break the 1 million sqm threshold. It is 3.25 km long and aims to cater to 50 million passengers a year by 2020.
