Northwest China areas will build six new airports in the next five years, according to the Tenth Five-Year Plan.

The project, as part of China's campaign to develop west, will increase airports in the areas from 12 to 18.

Daily capacity of handling flights will be largely increased in the areas, transportation officials said.

In the next five years, Hanzhong, Ankang, Yan'an and Yulin airports in Shaanxi province will also be rebuilt or expanded.

It was predicted the 18 airports will be able to handle 9.5 millions passengers and 215,000 tons of freights by 2005, increasing by 12 percent and 15 percent respectively on an annual base in the following five years.

Currently 12 airports, centered in the Xianyang Airport in Xi'an city, offer flights to 65 cities.

(Eastday.com 02/08/2001)