Airport Codes: China's Unique Aviation Identifier

can airport code china

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, located in Guangdong, China, is one of the country's busiest airports. The IATA code for the airport is CAN, which is derived from Guangzhou's historical romanization, Canton. The airport is approximately 28 kilometres from downtown Guangzhou and is recognised for its eco-friendly architecture and energy-efficient operations. The airport opened in 2004, replacing the identically named airport that had been in operation since 1933.

Characteristics Values
Name Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Former Name Canton Civil Airport (White Cloud) or Pai Yuen Airport
Airport Code CAN
IATA Code CAN
ICAO Code ZGGG
Location Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
Distance from City Centre 28 km
Year Opened 1933
Year Closed 2004
Passenger Traffic (2017) 65,806,977
Cargo Traffic (2017) Third-busiest in China, 19th-busiest worldwide
Aircraft Movements Third-busiest in China
Green Initiatives Eco-friendly architecture, energy-efficient operations

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Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (IATA: CAN)

The IATA code CAN refers to Guangzhou Airport, which offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, including restaurants serving Chinese, Western, and international cuisine, as well as fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and KFC. There are also several hotels near the airport, along with currency exchange counters and ATMs for passengers needing to exchange money.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to meet the demands of its passengers. In the 1980s, the airport renovated and expanded facilities such as oil storage depots, terminal buildings, and boarding bridges. By 2002, the passenger throughput of the old airport had reached 16,014,400 passengers, and the cargo and mail throughput reached 592,600 tons. Due to the expansion of Guangzhou, the airport was unable to expand further, and a new location was chosen to build a new airport.

The new airport features four runways, with the third runway opening on 5 February 2015, significantly increasing the airport's capacity. The airport is served by the Airport South Station (serving Terminal 1) and the Airport North Station (serving Terminal 2) on Line 3 of the Guangzhou Metro. The Guangzhou–Foshan circular intercity railway, which is under construction, will further enhance connectivity to the airport by serving three stations within the airport premises.

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One of China's busiest airports

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (IATA: CAN, ICAO: ZGGG), formerly known as Canton Civil Airport (White Cloud) or Pai Yuen Airport, is one of the busiest airports in China. Located in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in South Central China, the airport is one of the country's three largest aviation hubs.

The airport first opened in 1933 and was one of the first civil airports in China. It underwent renovations and expansions in the 1980s to meet international first-class airport standards. By the early 2000s, the airport was surrounded by high-rise buildings and unable to expand further to accommodate increasing passenger demand. As a result, a new airport with the same name was constructed 23 kilometres north of the original location and opened to the public in 2004.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport offers a range of facilities, including dining and shopping options. Restaurants serve Chinese, Western, and international cuisine, and fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and KFC are also available. The airport also features currency exchange counters and ATMs for passenger convenience.

Guangzhou Airport is accessible via multiple transportation options, including metro, buses, and taxis. It is located approximately 28 kilometres from the city centre. As one of the busiest airports in China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport plays a significant role in the country's aviation industry.

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History of the airport

The airport with the code CAN in China is the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, located in the city of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. It is one of the three largest air hubs in the country, serving more than 48 million passengers in 2012. The airport opened to the public in 2004, replacing an identically named airport that had been in operation for the previous 72 years.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport was originally opened in 1933, as one of the first civil airports in China. Construction began in 1932, and it opened in November 1933. During World War II, the Japanese Navy invaded the airport and expanded the runway. In 1963, the airport became exclusively for public use when the People's Liberation Army Air Force moved away. The airport was renamed "Baiyun", meaning "white cloud" in Chinese, named after the nearby Baiyun Mountain.

The airport underwent significant expansion and renovation in the 1980s to meet international standards. During this time, it experienced rapid development, ranking first in mainland China for passenger capacity, takeoffs, and landings for eight consecutive years. Despite expansions, the airport was unable to keep up with the demands of the growing city of Guangzhou. As a result, a new airport with the same name was constructed 23 kilometres north of the old airport, which closed in 2004.

The former terminal of the old airport is being converted into a large shopping mall, with the northern portion becoming a functional area for conference services. The southern portion will be transformed into a secondary centre for retail, sports, business, and cultural activities.

As of 2024, there were 259 certified civil airports and 106 certified general airports in China. China has been actively investing in overseas airport projects, with a focus on expanding its aviation infrastructure.

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Facilities and services

The IATA code CAN refers to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, located in the Baiyun and Handu District, 28 km north of the city centre of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. Guangzhou Airport offers a wide range of dining options, including restaurants serving Chinese, Western, and international cuisine, as well as fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and KFC. The airport also has many shopping options. It is easily accessible by metro, taxi, or bus. The airport provides assistance services like wheelchair assistance, designated parking spots, and accessible facilities throughout the terminals. There are also several currency exchange counters and ATMs available for passengers needing to exchange money.

Guangzhou Airport is one of the three largest air hubs in China, with more than 48 million passengers in 2012 and ranking as the busiest airport in China. It opened in 2004, replacing an older airport with the same name that had been in operation for 72 years. The new airport features an impressive size and design, with a 24-hour operation system, and boasts a less crowded environment compared to its predecessor.

Guangzhou, the city served by the airport, is a fascinating place with a rich history. It played a pivotal role in China's reforms and revolutions, shaping modern China. The city presents a unique blend of the ancient and the modern, with contrasting characteristics that amaze visitors.

Hong Kong International Airport, also known as Chek Lap Kok International Airport, is another significant airport in China, located about 30 km from Hong Kong. It is ranked as the fourth busiest airport worldwide in terms of international passenger traffic. The airport is equipped with two terminals and offers various facilities, including a local SIM card counter, ATM machine, nursing rooms, and baggage porter service.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, formerly known as Shuangguisi Airport, is a major airport in West China, located 16 km from Chengdu's main city. It initially opened as a military airfield during World War II and has a significant historical connection to the Pearl Harbour attack.

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Transport options to the airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (IATA: CAN, ICAO: ZGGG), formerly known as Canton Civil Airport, is located 28 kilometres from the city centre in the Baiyun and Handu District. It is one of the three largest air hubs in China, serving more than 48 million passengers in 2012. The airport is accessible via multiple transportation options, including metro, bus, and taxi.

Metro

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is connected to the city by the Airport Express Line, with trains departing every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes otherwise. The subway line has four stations: Dongzhimen Station, Sanyuan Station, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

Bus

There are several bus routes that connect the airport to the city, including:

  • Airport Express: Connecting the airport with the Jingping (Beijing-Pinggu) Expressway (S32) and Beijing's 2nd Ring Road.
  • North Airport Express (S28): From the Daguang (Beijing-Chengde) Expressway (G45) to the north of Beijing Capital International Airport.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available outside the arrival hall of the airport. It is recommended to have the destination address written in Chinese or to carry the name card of your hotel to show to the driver.

Train

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is well-connected to the Beijing Railway Station, with several stops in between, making it a convenient option for passengers travelling by train.

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Frequently asked questions

The airport code CAN stands for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is located in the Guangdong province of China.

The airport was originally built in the 1930s and was one of the first civil airports in China. It was formerly known as Canton Civil Airport (White Cloud) or Pai Yuen Airport. The name was changed to "Baiyun", which means "white clouds" in Chinese, named after the nearby Baiyun Mountain.

The IATA airport code (CAN) is derived from Guangzhou’s historical romanization, Canton.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of China's busiest airports, handling more than 48 million passengers in 2012. In 2017, it was China's third-busiest airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, as well as aircraft movements.

The airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, including restaurants serving various types of cuisine. There are also several hotels, currency exchange counters, and ATMs available for passengers.

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