Although Shanhaiguan Airport was expanded in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, its status as a military airport limited its potential for further growth. As a result, the new Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport was proposed in 2004, and received approval from the State Council in July 2009. Construction for the new airport officially began in April 2012, and was completed in 2016.
The expansion of Shanhaiguan Airport ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics was hindered by its military status, which restricted its capacity for further growth. As a result, a proposal for a new Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport was made in 2004 and received approval from the State Council in July 2009. The construction of this new airport began officially in April 2012 and was completed by 2016.