Photo: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has successfully completed a test flight on its new fifth runway, marking a key milestone in the airport's multi-billion-yuan expansion.

On July 30, a China Southern Airlines Boeing 777-300ER touched down on the new runway after more than five hours of test flights. The trials verified the runway’s communication, navigation, and lighting systems, as well as safety markings and overall airfield performance, confirming compliance with industry standards.

The fifth runway stretches 3,600 meters and is capable of handling large E-class aircraft. It is part of the airport’s Phase III expansion, which includes the new Terminal 3, two additional runways, taxiways, aprons, tunnels, and a major integrated transport hub.

Valued at 53.8 billion yuan ($7.4 billion), the expansion project aims to position the airport as a world-class international aviation hub. Once completed, the airport will operate with five runways and two terminal areas, supporting an annual capacity of 140 million passengers and more than six million tonnes of cargo.