Departure Terminal B at the Shenzhen airport is expected to open in time for the Spring Festival travel peak.

After the terminal reconstruction is completed, departure terminals A and B will have a combined capacity of 16 to 17 million air travelers each year, easing pressure on the crowded airport.

Terminal B, which opened in 1992, reached design capacity in 1996. It was closed Feb. 15 for reconstruction work costing 670-million-yuan (US$81 million) to expand capacity.

Designers say the integrated function design for the two terminals will make it more convenient for passengers to go through departure and arrival procedures.

The reconstruction project also encapsulates a harmonious design for both terminals, which resemble two unfurling wings of a roc, the symbol of Shenzhen City.

A flyover connecting the two terminals will help smooth traffic flows. The new parking lot for Terminal B will bring the total number of parking spaces at the airport to 2,000.

KFC had signed an agreement with the airport to open an outlet there, the Southern Metropolitan News said Tuesday. Prices at the airport would be the same in other Shenzhen outlets, it said.

Passengers have complained about expense of eating at restaurants at the terminals. A KFC airport outlet would help bring down food prices, earlier media reports said.

Editor: Catherine