Beijing Capital International Airport

The Beijing Capital International Airport is located in the People’s Republic of China, and is approximately 25 kilometers outside the city center of Beijing. Within China, the Beijing Capital International Airport is not only the biggest airport in China, but also the busiest. It first opened its doors on 2 March 1958 and is under the control and management of the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Passenger traffic and air traffic has increased to such an extent that the Beijing Airport now sees an average of 33 million passengers pass through its doors every year. The Beijing Airport facilitates over 5 000 scheduled flights to 88 destinations within China, and 69 international flights.

The airport has 3 impressive terminals. Terminal 1 came into operation on 1 January 1980. Construction on Terminal 2 ended in 1999, after which Terminal 1 was closed for renovation to replace the old 1980’s building. Up until the completion of Terminal 2, the Beijing Airport only had the use of one terminal. In 2004, a new and modern Terminal 1 was back in business, taking responsibility for the domestic flights and international traffic. The new terminal is 60 000 square feet, has ten boarding gates and can accommodate 60 daily flights. It also has car parks and a parking apron.

The airport’s secondary terminal, Terminal 2, is 336 000 square meters in size and it is equipped with all the latest technology and equipment. Terminal 2 was designed to accommodate approximately 26.5 million passengers a year and currently deals with domestic and international flights. Terminal 3 was completed in in 2008. It houses a number of major international airlines, as well as Air China. Interestingly, Terminal 3 is bigger than all 5 of London Heathrow Airport’s 5 terminals combined.

At present, the Beijing Capital International Airport has two asphalt runways that are 3 200 meters and 3 800 meters, respectively. The third runway is constructed from concrete and measures 3 800 meters. Facilities that are available throughout the terminals include public telephones, fast food outlets, clinics, banks, smoking areas, restrooms, commercial centers and restaurants.