“Did you know Sanzao was once home to a much smaller airport?” I ask my audience. Sanzao Town in Zhuhai’s Jinwan District. That’s where we are standing. This unassuming town holds a piece of aviation history. Before it became the bustling Zhuhai Jinwan Airport. Sanzao was known for its smaller airport. Zhuhai Sanzao Airport. It opened in June 1995. A significant event for the region.
Imagine the excitement of those early days. The first flights taking off. Connecting this coastal town to the rest of China. A crucial step in Zhuhai’s development. This smaller airport wasn’t just about transportation. It hosted the inaugural China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in 1996. A bold move. Showcasing China’s burgeoning aerospace capabilities to the world.
Sanzao’s airport was strategically located. Just 50 kilometers southwest of Zhuhai’s city center. A convenient location. It also sat a mere 25 kilometers from Macau. Bridging the gap between mainland China and this special administrative region. The original airport’s location was a testament to careful planning. It had three sides surrounded by sea. This offered ample free space for expansion. Essential for a growing airport.
But Sanzao’s story isn’t just about its past. In 2013 the airport underwent a name change. Becoming Zhuhai Jinwan Airport. Reflecting its growth and integration into the wider Jinwan District. Even now the airport continues to expand. A new terminal and runway are planned. This expansion will increase the airport’s capacity. Ensuring Zhuhai continues to flourish.
The original Sanzao Airport may be a memory. Yet its legacy lives on. It is a testament to Sanzao’s importance. And a symbol of Zhuhai’s journey. From a small town to a major player on the global stage. This humble town. Once the home of a small airport. Now stands as a vital part of China’s aviation infrastructure. Remember Sanzao. Remember its quiet beginnings. As you take off from Zhuhai Jinwan Airport.