China's premier gateway, one of the world's busiest airports.
Opened
1958
Location
Beijing, China
Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK, ICAO: ZBAA) is the primary international airport serving Beijing, China, and one of the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic. It serves as the main hub for Air China and a major gateway for dozens of international carriers connecting China to the rest of the world.
The airport is located approximately 32 kilometers northeast of central Beijing and covers a vast area with three passenger terminals. Terminal 3, opened in 2008 ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games, was designed by architect Norman Foster and remains one of the largest airport buildings in the world by floor area.
In recent years, Beijing Capital has shared international traffic duties with the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), which opened in 2019. Despite this, Capital remains the dominant hub for Air China and Star Alliance carriers serving the Chinese capital.
Terminals
The airport operates three terminals—T1, T2, and T3—with T3 being the largest and handling the majority of international and Air China flights.
Getting to & from
The Airport Express rail line connects the airport to central Beijing in approximately 20 minutes, with taxi, bus, and private car services also widely available.
Airlines here
Air China uses Beijing Capital as its primary hub, and the airport is also served by major international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and numerous other Star Alliance and non-alliance airlines.
Notable facts
- ›Terminal 3, opened in 2008, was designed by architect Norman Foster and is one of the largest buildings in the world by floor area.
- ›The airport was significantly expanded ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
- ›Beijing Capital held the rank of second-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic for several years in the 2010s.
- ›The Airport Express rail link opened in 2008 and runs directly to Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao stations in central Beijing.
- ›Beijing now has two major international airports, with Daxing (PKX) opening in 2019 to relieve capacity pressure on Capital.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
