The State Council and the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) have approved construction of a civilian airport in Ezhou, Hubei province, according to a circular released on Feb 23.

Located in Echeng district, the airport will serve as an international logistics hub.

The runway and taxiway system was designed to handle passenger traffic of 1.5 million and cargo throughput of 3.3 million metric tons per year, based on projections for 2030.

Terminals, transfer centers and other facilities were designed to handle passenger traffic of 1 million and cargo throughput of 2.45 million tons per year, based on 2025 projections.

A total of 37.26 billion yuan will be earmarked for the construction, according to the circular.

The circular also stressed integration of military and civilian functions of the airport.

It urged appropriately planning the nearby transportation network that includes railways, highways and water transport.

The airport should be energy-efficient and meet regulations on environmental protection, the circular stated.