Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has begun a major operational transition, with 11 domestic airlines moving from the now-closed Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 starting May 7.
Terminal 1, which had been in service for nearly 22 years, has ceased operations. At the same time, access to Metro Airport South Station and the intercity railway’s Baiyun Airport South Station, both linked to T1, has been temporarily suspended.
Airport authorities said Terminal 3 is operating normally, with passenger flow increasing noticeably since the transfer. Travelers have reported shorter queues and more self-service check-in and baggage drop machines, though the terminal is seeing heavier crowds.
Check-in locations reorganized at Terminal 3
Domestic and international flights are now handled at designated check-in islands. International and regional flights are mainly handled at islands G, H and K, while domestic flights are concentrated at islands C, D and E.
Key domestic airline allocations include:
Island D: Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Capital Airlines, Juneyao Air
Island E: China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines
Premium check-in counters:
C5-C8 for Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines and Kunming Airlines
K32-K36 for business and first class passengers of China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines
Passengers are advised to confirm their terminal and airline information before departure and complete online check-in where possible. At Terminal 3, check-in for domestic flights closes 40 minutes before departure, and boarding gates close 15 minutes before departure.
Transport: metro-shuttle connection remains key option
Despite the lack of a direct metro link to Terminal 3, the airport continues to recommend rail-based travel.
Passengers can take Metro Line 3 or Line 9 to Gaozeng Station (Exit B), then transfer to a dedicated airport shuttle bus to reach the T3 transport hub. The full journey takes about 15 minutes.
Shuttle frequency has been increased, with buses running every 5 minutes during peak hours. Services operate from Gaozeng Station to T3 between 06:15 and 23:15, and from T3 to Gaozeng Station between 06:35 and 22:40.
Ride-hailing and parking adjustments
A new ride-hailing waiting area at P13 car park has been put into service. Located around two kilometres from the terminal, it provides about 1,100 spaces and is intended to streamline driver waiting and reduce congestion near the terminal area.
During the transition period, passengers who parked at Terminal 1 and arrive at Terminals 2 or 3 can use a 24-hour free shuttle service to retrieve their vehicles across terminals.
Airport officials said the combined transport system, including metro connections, shuttle buses, taxis and ride-hailing services, has been adjusted to handle increased passenger flow following the full relocation to Terminal 3.
Related news: Your complete transportation guide to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's new Terminal 3
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Video: Pan Jiajun
Photo: Pan Jiajun
Poster: Pan Jiajun
