Guangzhou Baiyun Airport in the Pearl River Delta has begun a $3 billion expansion that will turn it into one of the top three airports in China.
The airport sits amongst other major airports of the region, including Shenzhen, Zhuhai, as well as Macao and Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok, however the government is planning to elevate its position as the leading gateway in the area.
Guangzhou is currently handling more than 45 million passengers per year, however its single terminal is only designed to handle 35 million at a push. In addition, its two runways can not handle the required number of movements per hour.
Therefore, the expansion which is now underway will add a second terminal that capable of bringing the airport’s capacity to more than the 80 million passengers per year expected by 2020. In addition to this, another 12,500ft runway will be built and the instrument landing system on all runways upgraded. A new air traffic control centre, metro station, fuel farm, and associated roads and car parks will also be added as part of the expansion, which is due for completion in 2014.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is covered in my book Airport Spotting Guides Far East and Australasia – listing all of the places to spot and photograph aircraft at this airport and others in China. It also lists the airlines which operate, nearby aviation attractions, and hotels with views of aircraft.
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