Beijing Capital Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Beijing Capital International Airport - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK, ICAO: ZBAA) is the busiest international airport in China and a vital gateway to Beijing. Learn about its history, terminals, airlines and destinations served, transportation options, statistics, and future plans.

Overview

  • Location: Chaoyang District and Shunyi District, Beijing, China
  • Airport type: Public
  • Operator: Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited
  • Serves: Beijing
  • Serves region: Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei
  • Hub for: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines
  • Annual passenger capacity: 100 million (as of 2023)
  • History:
    • Opened: March 2, 1958
    • Previous names: Beijing Airport

Terminals

Beijing Capital International Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

Terminal 1

  • Area: 60,000 square meters
  • Gates: 16
  • Airlines: Primarily serves domestic airlines

Terminal 2

  • Area: 336,000 square meters
  • Gates: 29
  • Airlines: Serves a mix of domestic and international airlines

Terminal 3

  • Area: 986,000 square meters
  • Gates: 72
  • Airlines: Primarily serves international airlines and Star Alliance members
  • Features: A wide variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, including a hotel, a post office, and a bank. It also has a number of lounges for passengers travelling in first and business class, as well as for members of frequent flyer programs.

Airlines and Destinations

  • Airlines served: Over 100
  • Destinations: Over 180
  • Popular Routes: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Frankfurt, Paris
  • Cargo Airlines: Air China Cargo, China Cargo Airlines, FedEx Express, UPS Airlines

Transportation

Road

  • Expressways: Airport Expressway, Second Airport Expressway, North Airport Expressway
  • Taxis: Available outside of all terminals
  • Buses: Extensive network of bus routes connecting to various parts of the city

Rail

  • Airport Express: Dedicated rail line connecting to downtown Beijing (Dongzhimen Station)
  • Subway: Line 16 and Daxing Airport Express

Statistics

Year Passengers Cargo (tonnes) Aircraft movements
2019 100,011,438 2,029,558 683,740
2020 34,514,159 1,720,433 353,485
2021 39,755,532 1,848,429 374,641
Source: CAAC

Global Ranking

Beijing Capital International Airport consistently ranks among the world's busiest airports. In 2022, it was ranked:

  • 8th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic
  • 16th busiest airport in the world by cargo traffic

Future Plans

  • Expansion Plans: Ongoing expansion plans to increase capacity and improve passenger experience
  • New Terminal: Plans for a fourth terminal are under consideration
  • Transportation Upgrades: Improvements to existing road and rail connections
  • Other Development Plans: Development of a new airport city with business, entertainment, and hospitality facilities

Travel Experience

As a traveler who frequents Beijing Capital International Airport, I find it to be an efficient and modern airport, particularly Terminal 3. The airport's vast size can be overwhelming, so it's advisable to arrive with ample time and familiarize yourself with the terminal layout beforehand.

The Airport Express train offers a convenient and swift connection to the city center, while taxis provide another readily available option.

Within the terminals, you'll discover a wide selection of dining and shopping options catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

"Beijing Capital International Airport handled 95.8 million passengers in 2019, making it the second busiest airport in the world." - Statista

Q&A

What is the best way to get from Beijing Capital International Airport to the city center?

The most convenient and fastest way is by taking the Airport Express train, which connects directly to Dongzhimen Station in the city center. Taxis are also readily available but can be more expensive and subject to traffic.

What are the operating hours of the Airport Express train?

The Airport Express operates from approximately 6:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.

Is there Wi-Fi available at the airport?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout Beijing Capital International Airport.

More article references: free wifi beijing airport