Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Terminal Overview

Following the 30 October 2025 completion of the Phase III expansion, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport operates three passenger terminals with a combined design capacity of 120 million passengers annually. The terminals are spread along a north-south axis approximately 3 km in length, connected by free shuttle bus and intercity railway. All terminals with international operations have full customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) facilities.

Terminal 1 (T1) — Domestic Hub + Selected International

Terminal 1 opened on 5 August 2004 as the airport's inaugural facility, replacing the former Baiyun Airport in the urban Baiyun District. It is the oldest of the three terminals and handles a mix of domestic and some international flights.

• Structure: Main Terminal (check-in, retail, food, services) + two secured concourses: Area A (domestic departures/arrivals) and Area B (international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan flights)
• Metro: Airport South Station (Line 3) — directly beneath T1
• Key airlines: Air China, Hainan Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Air Guilin, Capital Airlines, Lucky Air, Spring Airlines, Loong Air, West Air, and others. China Eastern international flights temporarily remain in T1 post-T3 opening.
• Taxi pickup: Arrival Hall A (Gate A8/A11) and Hall B (Gates B4, B8)
• Lounges: Hainan Airlines Business Class Lounge, Air China Lounge, and others
• Hotel: Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is directly opposite Gate 12 of T1 Departures (3-minute walk, walking distance)
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi (see details below); luggage storage (Departure Hall 3F, near Gate 1); movie theatre; beauty salon; medical clinic; baby care rooms; prayer rooms; free overnight rest area near Gates 23, 27, 33, 36 on 1F of main building — for passengers with long layovers (sofas/recliners, no booking required)

Terminal 2 (T2) — China Southern Primary Hub + International

Terminal 2 opened on 26 April 2018 and is the primary operational terminal for China Southern Airlines and its partner carriers. It is a significantly more modern facility than T1, featuring an integrated Ground Transportation Centre (GTC) at basement level that consolidates metro, intercity rail, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing in a single transfer hub. T2 handles the majority of CAN's long-haul international flights.

• Metro: Airport North Station (Line 3) — at GTC basement level (B1/B2) beneath T2
• Key airlines: China Southern Airlines (all long-haul international + primary domestic hub), Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Asiana Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Saudia, Air Astana, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Air Serbia, IndiGo, and others
• International arrivals (Level 1): Customs, immigration/border control, baggage claim; bilingual staff; currency exchange counters; China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom SIM card desks; tourism assistance desk including free guided city tour registration for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit passengers
• Commercial area: Over 360 retail and dining outlets — extensive duty-free (cosmetics, spirits, tobacco, electronics), Aerotel transit hotel, international food court, premium dining, luxury boutiques
• Lounges: China Southern Sky Pearl Club Lounge (multiple locations — the showpiece of China Southern's lounge network, with extensive Cantonese hot food, full bar, shower facilities); SkyTeam Lounge; Plaza Premium Lounge (Priority Pass accessible)
• Taxi pickup: Gate 50 (domestic arrivals), Gate 52 (international arrivals)
• Shuttle to Pullman hotel: Departs T2 Gate 46 every 30 minutes

Terminal 3 (T3) — New Expansion Terminal (October 2025)

Terminal 3 opened on 30 October 2025, the culmination of the Phase III expansion plan. At 422,000 m², it is among the world's largest single terminal buildings. Built using BIM (Building Information Modelling) digital technology and designed with a "flower" architectural theme, T3 is the first Chinese airport terminal to operate with entirely paper-free archives from day one.

• Initial airlines (from 30 Oct 2025): China Eastern Airlines (domestic only initially — international flights temporarily remain in T1), Shanghai Airlines, China United Airlines, Juneyao Air, Okay Airways
• Intercity rail: Baiyun Airport East Station (B2 level of T3 Transportation Centre) — connecting to Foshan, Dongguan, and Zhaoqing
• Metro: No dedicated station yet (Guangzhou Metro Line 22 extension planned). From T3: take free inter-terminal shuttle to T1/T2 metro stations, or take shuttle from Gaozeng Station (Line 3, ~6 km, ~15 minutes)
• Highlight: China's first open-air airport observation deck — panoramic views of all five runways and aircraft movements; immediately popular with aviation enthusiasts and general public
• Technology: Biometric check-in and boarding (facial recognition), automated baggage handling, self-bag drop throughout; designed for 30 million passengers/year at full operation

Security, Immigration, and Connection Times

• International departure security: Allow 2.5–3 hours before departure (extend to 3.5 hours during Canton Fair — April and October)
• Domestic departure: Allow 1.5–2 hours
• 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (TWOV) processing: Apply immediately at the TWOV desk in T2 International Arrivals. Have onward international ticket and accommodation details ready. Processing: 20–45 minutes. The 240-hour clock starts at 00:00 on the day following entry (not from landing time).
• International-to-domestic connection: Requires clearing customs/immigration, baggage collection, then re-checking domestically. Allow minimum 2.5–3 hours.
• Domestic-to-international connection: Allow minimum 2 hours.
• Power bank restriction (since 28 June 2025): Power banks without China Compulsory Certification (3C) label prohibited on domestic flights as carry-on. International flights: non-3C power banks under 100Wh still permitted.

Getting to and from CAN Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is connected to the city centre by Guangzhou Metro Line 3, taxi, Didi (China's ride-hailing app, functionally equivalent to Uber), and an extensive network of airport express buses. Metro is strongly recommended for most travellers — it bypasses road traffic entirely, costs a fraction of taxi fares, and is clean, fast, and bilingual (Chinese/English). Note: Uber does not operate in China. Didi Chuxing (DiDi) is the only major ride-hailing platform; download the DiDi international app before arrival as it offers English-language support and accepts foreign Visa/Mastercard.

Guangzhou Metro Line 3 — Airport Line

The Metro Line 3 (North Extension) is the fastest and cheapest transport option between the airport and central Guangzhou. Underground stations are located directly beneath both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 3 does not yet have its own metro station (Guangzhou Metro Line 22 extension is planned for a future phase) and is served by free inter-terminal shuttle bus from T1/T2.

• T1 station: Airport South Station (机场南 / Jīchǎng Nán) — follow "Metro/地铁" signs from arrivals level via escalators or elevators
• T2 station: Airport North Station (机场北 / Jīchǎng Běi) — at basement level of the integrated Ground Transportation Centre (GTC) beneath T2
• Fare: Distance-based, approximately ¥7–10 RMB (~€0.90–1.30 / $1.00–1.50 USD) to the city centre. Tickets from vending machines at all stations (English-language option available); also accepted: Yangchengtong transit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay mobile payment.
• Journey time: ~40–45 minutes to Tiyu Xilu Station (Tianhe District, Guangzhou's financial/commercial CBD) with no transfers; ~50 minutes to Gongyuanqian Station (old city centre / Yuexiu District) with one transfer at Jiahewanggang onto Line 2
• Key stops (outbound from airport): Airport North (T2) → Airport South (T1) → Jiahewanggang (transfer to Line 2 for old city) → Longguihuacheng → Baiyun Culture Square → Jingxi South Railway Station → Zhujiang New Town (Guangzhou financial CBD) → Tiyu Xilu (Tianhe) → Tianhe Coach Terminal
• Operating hours: approximately 06:10–23:00 daily; last train timing varies by direction — check the departure board on arrival
• Frequency: every 5–7 minutes during peak hours; 10–15 minutes off-peak
• Luggage warning: Line 3 is one of the most congested metro lines in the world, routinely operating above 100% capacity during morning rush (07:30–09:30) and evening rush (17:30–19:30). With large bags, consider travelling outside these windows, or use Didi. Elevators exist at all airport stations if stairs/escalators are impractical.
• Transfer between T1 and T2 by metro: Two stops; included in through-fare — no re-purchase required

Airport Express Buses

Guangzhou operates 15+ airport express and shuttle bus lines connecting CAN to major hotels, transportation hubs, and districts across the city and surrounding Pearl River Delta cities. Buses depart from the Passenger Transportation Centre (bus square) on the west side of T1 and T2 arrivals. Benefits: more luggage space than metro; lower fares than taxi; subject to road traffic.

• Fares: ¥16–36 RMB depending on route (~€2–5)
• Key routes: Guangzhou South Railway Station (national HSR hub), Guangzhou East Railway Station, Tianhe Coach Terminal, major hotel clusters across Tianhe/Yuexiu/Haizhu districts; intercity routes to Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, and Zhongshan
• Operating hours: typically 06:00–22:00+ (night bus service available for late arrivals)
• Intercity airport buses to Pearl River Delta cities (Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan etc.) are especially convenient for passengers heading directly to manufacturing-hub cities without transiting through Guangzhou proper

Taxi

Official metered taxis queue at designated ranks outside T1 and T2 arrivals. Do not accept offers from unmarked or private drivers inside the terminal — use only the official taxi queue or the Didi app.

• T1 pickup: Arrival Hall A (Gate A8/A11) and Hall B (Gates B4, B8)
• T2 pickup: Gate 50 (domestic arrivals) and Gate 52 (international arrivals)
• Metered fare structure: ¥10 flag-fall for first 2.5 km; ¥2.6/km between 2.5–35 km; ¥3.5/km after 35 km. Evening surcharge after 23:00.
• To downtown Guangzhou (Tianhe/Yuexiu): approximately ¥100–150 RMB (~€13–20), 30–50 minutes off-peak; 60–90+ minutes in rush-hour traffic
• To Guangzhou South Railway Station: ~¥180 RMB, 50–70 minutes
• To Guangzhou East Railway Station: ~¥110 RMB, 40–60 minutes
• Payment: Most airport taxis accept cash (RMB) only — international credit cards are rarely accepted. Carry small denomination RMB bills. Didi accepts Alipay, WeChat Pay, and international Visa/Mastercard through the international app.
• Language: Very few taxi drivers speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese (hotel name + full address in 中文) — most hotels can provide this; save a screenshot on your phone.
• Hours: 24/7

Didi (Ride-Hailing)

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is China's dominant ride-hailing platform. Foreign visitors should download the DiDi — Rider international app before arrival; it offers English-language interface and accepts international Visa/Mastercard. Economy Didi fares to downtown are typically ¥80–120 RMB — slightly cheaper than taxi and with no language barrier since the destination is entered in the app. Didi pickup at CAN is in designated "Online Car-Hailing" (网约车) zones — follow signage; do not wait at official taxi ranks as the zones are separate.

Intercity Rail — High-Speed Connections from the Airport

Three Guangdong intercity railway stations serve the airport directly, making CAN a rare example of seamless airport-to-high-speed-rail integration:

• Baiyun Airport South Station (白云机场南) — serves T1; Guangzhou–Foshan intercity line
• Baiyun Airport North Station (白云机场北) — serves T2; GTC basement; Guangzhou–Foshan and Guangzhou–Dongguan intercity lines; approximately every 17 minutes
• Baiyun Airport East Station (白云机场东) — serves T3; opened simultaneously with T3 on 30 October 2025; connects to Foshan, Dongguan, and Zhaoqing
• From Airport North Station, passengers can reach Guangzhou South Railway Station (national HSR hub) with connections to Hong Kong West Kowloon (45 minutes from Guangzhou South by HSR), Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, and all national high-speed rail destinations

Inter-Terminal Free Shuttle Bus

A 24-hour free shuttle bus loops continuously between all three terminals. Stops: Gate 12 (T1 Departures 3F), Gate 42 (T2 Departures 3F), Gate 62 (T3 Departures). Frequency: every 10 minutes (22:00–03:00 peak/overnight), every 20 minutes (08:00–22:00), every 30 minutes (03:00–08:00). Allow 10–20 minutes for the ride, plus extra buffer for any security re-screening required for cross-terminal connections — minimum 30–45 minutes total for terminal changes.

Transport to Key Destinations

Hotels Near CAN Airport

During Canton Fair periods (typically first two weeks of April and first two weeks of October), all nearby hotels surge to peak pricing and sell out weeks in advance — book early and consider the Pullman as the on-site option of choice for Fair-period stays.

Adjacent / On-Site (Walking Distance to T1)

Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport ★★★★★ — The closest full-service hotel to CAN, located directly opposite Gate 12 of Terminal 1 Departures (walking distance, ~3 minutes). Connected to Airport South Metro Station (Line 3), which makes it simultaneously convenient for transit passengers and for downtown access (30 minutes by metro). Free shuttle to T2 Gate 46 every 30 minutes; free shuttle to Pazhou Complex during Canton Fair periods. Features: 358 rooms; pillar-free Kapok Ballroom (1,500 m²) + 20 meeting rooms; outdoor pool; 2 fitness centres; sauna; U8 Action Cuisine (international buffet + à la carte) and Tianyuan Creative Chinese Restaurant (Cantonese). Rated 8.7/10 on Booking.com. Rates: approximately ¥700–1,800/night (~$95–250 USD); significantly higher during Canton Fair.

Transit Hotel (Inside T2 Airside)

Aerotel Guangzhou (Plaza Premium Group) — Accessible airside from T2 departure level; day rooms and overnight stays; showers; no need to re-clear security. Ideal for passengers with connections of 6+ hours. Rates: from ~¥300–600/night; also available by 6-hour room rate. Book via Plaza Premium website or app.

Near Airport (10–15 Minutes by Shuttle)

Novotel Guangzhou Baiyun Airport ★★★★ — Accor brand; complimentary airport shuttle; business-oriented; pool; multiple restaurants. Rates: ~¥500–900/night.

Holiday Inn Guangzhou Baiyun Airport ★★★★ — IHG brand; free airport shuttle; solid mid-range choice popular with business travellers. Rates: ~¥400–700/night.

Courtyard by Marriott Guangzhou Baiyun Airport ★★★★ — Marriott brand; modern rooms; shuttle; good for overnight stopovers with late/early flights. Rates: ~¥450–800/night.

Downtown Guangzhou (40–50 Minutes via Metro — Best Value)

For travellers spending meaningful time in Guangzhou, downtown hotels offer far superior city access and often better value. Notable options: Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou (Tianhe, attached to IFC), W Guangzhou, Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, Shangri-La Guangzhou, Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe, Sheraton Guangzhou Hotel. Budget-friendly business hotels around Tiyu Xilu (Line 3) and Zhujiang New Town (Line 3/5) area are very well positioned for metro access to CAN.

Parking at CAN

Multi-level covered car parks are adjacent to all three terminals, plus open-air economy lots. During Canton Fair periods, parking is severely constrained — airport authorities recommend using Metro Line 3 and leaving vehicles elsewhere.

Pro tip: For trips of 3+ days, it is often cheaper and more convenient to take Metro Line 3 to a city-side station (park-and-ride) than to pay for days of airport parking. Confirm current tariffs at airport barriers or on the official website, as rates may be adjusted.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit — CAN's Major Strategic Advantage

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is one of the most advantageous airports in Asia for eligible passport holders to use a long-haul layover as a genuine short holiday in China. The 240-Hour policy (upgraded from 144 hours on 17 December 2024) allows citizens of 55 countries — including the United States, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and others — to enter China, explore Guangdong and 23 additional Chinese provinces, and exit through any approved port without obtaining a Chinese visa in advance.

• Eligible countries: 55 nations (55th added: Indonesia, June 2025)
• Duration: Up to 240 hours (10 days) from 00:00 on the day after entry — effectively more than 10 full calendar days
• Requirements: Valid passport; confirmed onward international flight to a third country/region (not back to origin); accommodation details
• Permitted area: All of Guangdong Province + 23 additional provinces/regions across mainland China (updated December 2024)
• Application process: At the TWOV (Transit Without Visa) desk in T2 International Arrivals immediately upon landing. No advance application. Processing: 20–45 minutes.
• Free Guangzhou city tour programme: The Guangzhou municipal tourism authority operates a free guided day-tour for 240-hour transit passengers departing from the tourism assistance desk in T2 International Arrivals. Covers attractions including Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and Cantonese dim sum tasting. Inquire immediately upon clearing immigration — programme books up quickly in peak season.
• Business travel note: Canton Fair attendance, factory visits, and business meetings are explicitly permitted under the 240-hour transit policy

Canton Fair — The World's Largest Trade Fair

The China Import and Export Fair (广交会), commonly known as the Canton Fair, has been held in Guangzhou biannually since 1957, making it the longest-running trade fair in China. It is the world's largest by exhibitor count, product variety, and buyer attendance, drawing 200,000+ international buyers from 210+ countries per session. CAN is the primary international gateway for all participants. Key planning implications:

• Spring Fair: First two weeks of April (Phase 1: electronics/machinery; Phase 2: home décor/gifts; Phase 3: textiles/apparel/fashion)
• Autumn Fair: First two weeks of October
• During Fair: book flights and hotels 4–6 weeks in advance minimum; all airport-area hotels are at peak rates; immigration and security queues are substantially longer; Pullman hotel shuttle to Pazhou Complex is available to non-guests at published rates
• Venue access from CAN: Metro Line 3 + Line 8 to Pazhou Station (~55 min); dedicated airport bus routes during Fair periods; taxi ~50 min / ¥140–180

The Pearl River Delta — Gateway Context

CAN's unique economic significance stems from its position at the heart of the Pearl River Delta (PRD), the world's most densely industrialised manufacturing region. Within a 2-hour radius of CAN: Dongguan (electronics), Foshan (ceramics, furniture, appliances), Zhongshan (lighting, hardware), Zhuhai (semiconductors), Shenzhen (tech, fintech), Jiangmen and Zhaoqing (light manufacturing). This manufacturing ecosystem — producing a substantial share of global electronics, furniture, textiles, toys, and consumer goods — generates enormous volumes of air freight through CAN and constant business travel by international buyers, sourcing agents, and factory representatives. CAN's 24/7 operating licence (vs. the former downtown airport's curfew) directly enables overnight freight flights that are essential to this logistics chain.

FedEx Express Asia-Pacific Hub

In 2009, FedEx Express relocated its Asia-Pacific hub from Subic Bay, Philippines to CAN after a contract signed in 2005. The facility: 63 hectares; 82,000 m² floor area; dedicated ramp control tower (first of its kind for an air express company in China, giving FedEx autonomous ground control); 24,000 packages/hour sort capacity; 136+ weekly flights connecting 20 Asian cities to FedEx's 220-country global network. At the time of opening, it was the largest FedEx hub outside the United States. Combined with SF Express's major hub and other operators, CAN's cargo ecosystem handles over 2.3 million tonnes of freight annually — making it one of the world's most important air cargo hubs.

Wi-Fi, Connectivity, and China's Internet Environment

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout all terminals on the "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" network. Login requires scanning your passport (or boarding pass) at the authentication portal — bring your passport to the device you wish to connect. First session provides 5 hours free; reconnect for longer stays.
• The Great Firewall: China's internet filtering system blocks Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, Photos), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, Twitter/X, and most major Western social media and news platforms. Install and test a VPN on all devices before entering China. Many travellers who forget this find themselves cut off from their standard communication tools. VPN availability within China is restricted; purchase and install from home.
• Alternatives available in China: WeChat (messaging, maps, payments), Baidu (search), Didi (navigation + rides), Alipay (payments), Gaode Maps (navigation).
• SIM cards: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have counters in T2 International Arrivals. Requires passport registration. Data-only international SIMs from providers like Airalo or Nomad can be purchased before departure and avoid in-country registration — highly recommended for short visits.
• Payments: China is effectively cashless for Alipay and WeChat Pay. Many smaller food vendors, markets, and local shops do not accept cash or international cards at all. Set up Alipay International (linked to foreign Visa/Mastercard) before arrival. Carry ¥500–1,000 RMB cash as backup for the rare vendor that does not accept QR payment or as taxi change.

Cantonese Cuisine — Dining at the Birthplace of Cantonese Cooking

Guangzhou is the origin city of Cantonese cuisine — arguably the most celebrated and internationally widespread regional cooking tradition in China — and the airport reflects this culinary identity authentically rather than defaulting to generic airport fare.

• 老广记 (Lǎo Guǎng Jì): Fast-service Cantonese restaurant in T2 — soups, congee, roast meats, rice rolls; highly recommended for first-time visitors to experience real Cantonese cooking in an accessible format
• Cantonese dim sum (点心 / yum cha): Multiple locations in T2 food court area — har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork/prawn dumplings), cheong fun (rice rolls), egg tarts, turnip cake; the definitive Guangzhou culinary experience
• Cantonese roast meats (烧腊): Char siu (BBQ pork), roast goose, soy-poached chicken — dedicated counters in both T1 and T2; among the most distinctive food purchases at CAN
• Halal food: Dedicated halal restaurants and sections throughout T1 and T2 — important given significant volume of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Southeast Asian Muslim passengers
• International chains: KFC, McDonald's, Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut across all terminals
• Prices: ~30–50% above comparable Guangzhou city restaurants — high by local standards but moderate compared to major European or North American airport dining

Lounges

• China Southern Sky Pearl Club Lounge (T2, multiple locations): The flagship lounge of China Southern's network — large, well-staffed, with extensive Cantonese hot food stations, noodle bar, full spirits/wine selection, and shower facilities at the main location. For Business Class and Sky Pearl Club elite members. Among the best value airline lounges in Asia for Chinese cuisine specifically.
• SkyTeam Lounge (T2): For eligible SkyTeam partner airline premium passengers operating via T2 (Air France Business, Korean Air Business, etc.)
• Plaza Premium Lounge — T2 (Priority Pass accessible): The better of the two Plaza Premium locations; hot food, showers, comfortable seating; accessible with Priority Pass, Amex Platinum, and day pass (~¥250–350 RMB). A solid independent option for passengers without airline lounge access.
• Plaza Premium Lounge — T1 (Priority Pass accessible): Smaller, older facility; adequate for a meal and rest between short domestic connections.
• Aerotel Guangzhou (T2): Day rooms and overnight pods by Plaza Premium; accessible landside — useful for very long layovers without needing to stay airside. Book via Plaza Premium app.

Shopping

T2 in particular offers retail comparable in breadth to major Asian hub airports: cosmetics and skincare (Dior, Chanel, Lancôme, SK-II, and popular Chinese brands); spirits and tobacco (Moutai baijiu is prominently featured and considered good value relative to city prices — popular outbound purchase for departing passengers; international whisky and cognac well-stocked); electronics (Huawei, DJI accessories, Xiaomi); luxury boutiques; packaged Cantonese food gifts (egg rolls, pineapple cakes, preserved meats, premium teas — all popular for gifts).

Airlines and Routes

China Southern Airlines (CZ) — Primary Hub Carrier

China Southern Airlines (中国南方航空) uses Guangzhou Baiyun as its global primary hub. Founded in 1988 from the former CAAC Guangzhou Regional Administration, it is Asia's largest airline by fleet and among the world's top-ten carriers by passengers. It left the SkyTeam alliance in January 2019 and now operates independently, with a significant partnership with American Airlines (codeshare + frequent-flyer programme link). Key statistics from CAN:

• Domestic network: 110+ domestic routes during summer peak; 4,000+ weekly domestic departures from CAN; covers virtually all major Chinese city-pairs
• International network (46+ countries/regions as of 2025): Comprehensive coverage of Southeast Asia; key long-haul routes include Amsterdam (daily 787 — CZ's first international route, launched 1996), Los Angeles (daily 777/787), Sydney (daily 787), Melbourne (787), Brisbane (7×weekly, expanded 2025), Auckland, Paris CDG (daily 787), London Heathrow (daily 787-9), Frankfurt (787), Madrid (3×weekly 787, launched December 2025 — first Guangzhou–Iberian Peninsula service), Nairobi (787), Johannesburg, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Darwin (3×weekly 737, launched December 2025), Vancouver (restored 2025), Almaty (daily, 2025), Tashkent (2025), Riyadh (2025), Bangkok (multiple daily), Kuala Lumpur (daily), Singapore (daily), Jakarta (daily), Ho Chi Minh City (daily), Hanoi (daily), Seoul Incheon (multiple daily), Tokyo Narita/Haneda (multiple daily), Manila (daily), Phnom Penh (daily), and many more
• Fleet at CAN: Boeing 777-300ER, 787-8/9, 737 MAX 8; Airbus A350-900, A330-200/300, A320 family; COMAC C919 (domestic routes from 2025)

Other Significant Carriers at CAN

Major international carriers (primarily T2): Air France (Paris CDG, daily), Lufthansa (Frankfurt, 787), Singapore Airlines (Singapore, daily), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong, multiple daily), Japan Airlines (Tokyo, daily), Korean Air (Seoul Incheon, multiple daily), Thai Airways (Bangkok, daily), Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur, daily), Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, daily), Garuda Indonesia (Jakarta, daily), Asiana Airlines (Seoul, daily), Philippine Airlines (Manila), Air India (Delhi/Mumbai — Guangzhou was first mainland China airport to restore direct India service in 2025), IndiGo (Kolkata), Qatar Airways (Doha, daily), Emirates (Dubai, daily), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Kuwait Airways, Saudia (Riyadh/Jeddah), Air Astana (Almaty), Kenya Airways (Nairobi), Air Tanzania (Dar es Salaam), Air Serbia (Belgrade).

Chinese carriers: Air China (T1), Hainan Airlines (T1/T2), Shenzhen Airlines (T1), China Eastern (T1 international / T3 domestic), 9 Air (CAN hub), Spring Airlines (low-cost, T1), Shanghai Airlines (T3), Juneyao Air (T3), China United Airlines (T3), Okay Airways (T3).

Cargo hub: FedEx Express (Asia-Pacific hub — own cargo terminal + ramp control tower), SF Express (major southern China hub), DHL, UPS.

Key International Routes

Distances and Travel Times from CAN

Passenger Traffic History

Growth Drivers

CAN's extraordinary post-pandemic recovery and sustained growth are driven by: China's post-COVID economic rebound; the explosion of outbound Chinese tourism (particularly to Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Europe); the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy attracting inbound tourism and business traffic; China Southern's aggressive international network expansion; the PRD's continued manufacturing dominance generating freight and business travel; the GBA's development as an integrated economic zone attracting multinational investment; and the Canton Fair's biannual structure creating predictable twice-annual peaks that sustain consistently high utilisation throughout the year.

Phase III Expansion — Completed October 2025

The Phase III expansion, approved by China's National Development and Reform Commission, added: Terminal 3 (422,000 m², capacity 30M pax/year); the fifth commercial runway (making CAN China's second 5-runway airport); and Baiyun Airport East intercity railway station (T3). Total designed capacity has reached 120 million passengers + 3.8 million tonnes freight + 775,000 aircraft movements per year. A future planned satellite concourse and dedicated high-speed railway station (serving 3 intercity railways) remain in design/planning stages. Guangzhou Metro Line 22 — which will connect T3 directly to the city metro network — is scheduled for a subsequent expansion phase.