Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

The year 2018 proved a significant milestone for Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Ningbo, the second largest city in East China's Zhejiang province, as it hit 10 million in annual passenger transits for the first time. 

Official statistics show that the airport handled over 11.71 million passengers in 2018, up 24.79 percent year-on-year, and transported over 100,000 metric tons of cargo, hitting the number for three consecutive years. 

"The rapid growth indicates the enhanced role of the airport as a comprehensive transportation hub in the nation, and lays a solid foundation for its future development," said a responsible person at the airport.

The airport opened 80 destinations in 2018, 12 more than the previous year. It also increased its low-cost carrier (LCC) capacity, with 17 LCCs operating 15,001 flights and carrying over 2.37 million passengers during the period, up 39.47 percent and 43.80 percent respectively on a year-on-year basis. Its LCC market share also increased from 17.6 percent to 20.3 percent.

Due to the rapid growth of passenger throughput, the airport has been working on its expansion in recent years, with the construction of the T2 terminal progressing in full swing. The terminal is expected to be operational by year end.

Passengers obtain their boarding passes at Ningbo Lishe International Airport. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]