Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Unveils Landmark Terminal 3, Elevating Global Hub Status

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Blossoms with the Grand Opening of Landmark Terminal 3

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – In a landmark event for global aviation, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art Terminal 3 (T3), a monumental step in its strategic expansion. This launch propels the airport into a new era with a robust ‘five-runway, three-terminal’ operational configuration, dramatically boosting its capacity and cementing its status as a premier global aviation hub and a critical nexus for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The new terminal, which commenced operations on October 30, is more than just a building; it is a symbol of technological ambition and cultural identity, designed to offer a seamless, efficient, and memorable experience for the millions of passengers who pass through its gates each year.

A Ceremonial First Flight and a National Icon

The inauguration of T3 was marked by a symbolic and nationally significant departure. The first flight to take off was a China Eastern Airlines service to Beijing Daxing International Airport, operated by China's domestically produced C919 aircraft—a powerful showcase of the country's growing prowess in aerospace manufacturing.

To celebrate the milestone, the airport held a launch ceremony where passengers on the historic first flight received commemorative gifts. The festivities extended to the first arriving flight from Lanzhou, which was welcomed with a traditional water salute, a time-honored aviation tradition signifying respect and celebration.

Inspired by the “Flower City”: A Terminal in Bloom

Moving beyond purely functional design, Terminal 3 is an architectural masterpiece that draws deep inspiration from Guangzhou’s beloved nickname, the “Flower City.” The entire structure is conceived to resemble a magnificent blooming flower, with its flowing lines and aesthetic elements paying homage to the region's natural beauty, including the iconic Baiyun Mountain and the Pearl River.

This unique design philosophy strengthens the airport's identity, transforming it from a mere transit point into a welcoming and visually stunning gateway that reflects the soul of Southern China.

A Glimpse into the Future: Smart Travel and Passenger-Centric Design

Terminal 3 sets a new global benchmark for airport innovation, integrating cutting-edge technologies to create a frictionless passenger journey from curb to gate.

Streamlined Check-In and Security

The terminal is equipped to handle high passenger volumes with remarkable efficiency, featuring:

• 199 check-in counters offering flexible staffed, convertible, and self-service options.

• 60 self-service kiosks and 59 automated baggage drop units for a quicker start to the journey.

• 87 jet bridges for direct boarding, enhancing convenience.

• A sophisticated security hall with 31 domestic and 9 international lanes, supported by a centralized screening system and an RFID tray return system to speed up the process.

• 21 dual-door identity verification gates that process checks in seconds with high accuracy.

Seamless Connectivity and Access

Understanding the importance of ground access, T3 is seamlessly integrated with a comprehensive Ground Transportation Centre (GTC). This hub connects highway, high-speed rail, and metro systems, making travel to and from the airport effortless. Two adjacent parking garages, P11 and P12, offer an initial 1,800 of a planned 2,800 parking spaces to accommodate the growing number of travelers.

Expanding Global Reach and Regional Cooperation

The opening of T3 is a catalyst for significant network expansion. Since the start of 2025, Baiyun Airport has resumed or launched over 30 international passenger services. Recent additions include IndiGo’s Kolkata-Guangzhou route and Air Algérie’s new Algiers-Guangzhou service.

This year, the airport has welcomed five new international carriers—Air Astana, VietJet Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Nepal Airlines, and Air Algérie—handling approximately 10,700 scheduled passenger flights per week. This growth not only strengthens Baiyun's global footprint but also fosters deeper cooperation and resource-sharing among airports within the Greater Bay Area, creating a more interconnected and powerful regional aviation network.

Setting International Benchmarks in Construction and Sustainability

Terminal 3 is a pioneer in construction methodology. It is China’s first large-scale hub airport to utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) across the entire project lifecycle, integrating all disciplines for more efficient management. Furthermore, it is the nation’s first airport terminal to adopt a fully paperless archive system.

This commitment to digital innovation has received global acclaim, with the project winning the Global Construction category at the 2025 buildingSMART International openBIM Awards.

In conclusion, the unveiling of Terminal 3 at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is more than an expansion; it is a transformational leap. With its breathtaking design, passenger-first technology, and vast operational capacity, T3 is poised to redefine air travel, solidifying Guangzhou's position on the world stage and paving the way for a new chapter in Asian aviation.