Guangzhou to operate more air routes to Europe and Americas

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport will compete with Hong Kong International Airport for more air lines to countries in Europe and the Americas this year, according to Qiu Jiachen, chairman of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport who spoke at a sub-session of the 15th Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress on Jan 14.

According to Qiu, currently there are eight international routes from Guangzhou to the Americas and 12 routes to Europe, and the airport is scheduled to operate five more air lines to these continents by the end of this year.

The annual passenger throughput of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport surpassed 65 million last year, with the number of transfer passengers reaching eight million. As the third runway and the No 2 Terminal of the airport will be operational in April this year, an increased passenger throughput is anticipated, said Qiu.

Qiu also revealed that Guangzhou needs to hasten completion of its administrative examination and project approval for the fourth runway and the No 3 Terminal by the end of 2018 to outpace Hong Kong International Airport, whose third runway is underway and will be operational in 2023. 

A rendering of Terminal No 1 and Terminal No 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. [Photo/oeee.com]