China will build a new airport in the city of Datong in the northern province of Shanxi, popularly known as the "coal capital." Landlocked Datong is also famous for its many tourist attractions including the world-famous Yungang Grottoes.

Construction of the airport, involving an estimated investment of 290 million yuan (about 34.9 million U.S. dollars), is aimed at promoting the city's economic development.

The airport will have a 2,400-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway able to accommodate Boeing-737s.

The State Council recently approved the project which will be launched in June this year and completed by the end of 2001.

Local officials said Datong's old airport cannot meet present-day demands.