On October 30, 2025, at 14:59, China Eastern Airlines flight MU6308, operated by the domestically produced C919 aircraft, took off from the fifth runway of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, marking the official opening of Terminal 3 and the commencement of operations for the fifth runway. All of China Eastern's domestic flights in Guangzhou will also be transferred to Terminal 3. Coincidentally, this flight also marks the first time the C919 has operated on the Guangzhou-Beijing Daxing route.
Meticulous Preparations for a Smoother and More Comfortable Travel Experience
As one of the first airlines to move into Terminal 3 at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China Eastern Airlines has implemented several targeted measures in its relocation preparations and operational optimization, establishing a dedicated working group and developing a detailed operational plan. With the relocation of its domestic flights to Terminal 3, China Eastern has implemented a more intelligent check-in system, which will significantly enhance the passenger experience in the future. Previously, China Eastern Airlines had conducted multiple comprehensive drills to verify apron operations and passenger transfer processes, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience for passengers.
After China Eastern's domestic flights moved to Terminal 3, the number of check-in counters increased from 12 in Terminal 1 to 15 in Terminal 3, and a premium check-in area was added. Key aspects such as the operational transfer processes between the two terminals and upgrades to the baggage sorting system were also improved. Previously, China Eastern conducted multiple comprehensive drills to verify apron operations and passenger transfer processes. To address the possibility of passengers going to the wrong terminal during the initial phase of terminal operation, the Ground Services Department of China Eastern's Guangdong Branch will have staff stationed in Terminal 1 daily for a period after the opening of Terminal 3 to provide assistance to passengers.
Passengers should pay attention to their destination when boarding flights on both terminals.
The boarding cut-off time for domestic departure flights at Baiyun Airport Terminal 3 is 40 minutes before departure. Passengers taking China Eastern domestic flights should check this information and plan their trips in advance. Currently, China Eastern Airlines' international flights are still operating from Terminal 1. Passengers should carefully check their destination to avoid going to the wrong terminal. China Eastern is also offering free rebooking and refunds for passengers who accidentally go to the wrong terminal during the initial launch period: Passengers using China Eastern tickets for flights actually operated by China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines departing from Guangzhou, with travel dates between October 30, 2025 (inclusive) and November 12, 2025 (inclusive), who miss their flights due to going to the wrong terminal at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, are allowed to rebook on other flights actually operated by China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines departing from Guangzhou within two days (T+2), free of change fees, but will need to pay the fare difference and cabin class difference. Each flight segment allows one free rebooking, and rebooking procedures can only be processed at the China Eastern Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport ticket counter. Passengers can also process involuntary refunds at the China Eastern Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport ticket counter and then apply for a refund at the original ticketing location according to regulations.
For China Eastern Airlines 781 tickets purchased before October 27, 2025 (inclusive) transiting through Guangzhou (regardless of carrier, flight date on or after October 30, 2025), if the terminal adjustment results in the passenger's transfer time within the same transport contract being less than the stipulated minimum transfer time (MCT), a refund or rescheduling can be processed according to the involuntary transfer regulations of China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines.
The inaugural flight crew is honored to witness a historic moment.
"Baiyun Tower, China Eastern 6308, it is an honor to pilot the domestically produced large aircraft C919, operating the inaugural flight mission on Guangzhou's fifth runway, witnessing a milestone moment in the construction of the civil aviation hub! We are ready for takeoff!" In the cockpit of MU6308, Captain Li Xiaoliang of the Ninth Squadron of China Eastern Airlines Flight Operations Team spoke with resounding conviction.
Li Xiaoliang explained that to ensure the smooth operation of this transfer flight, the inaugural flight crew prepared in three aspects: safety, procedures, and confidence. Regarding safety, they mentally rehearsed all emergency procedures before the flight to ensure the mission was flawless. Regarding procedures, they carefully studied all arrival and departure procedures, taxi routes, and emergency procedures for the airports involved in the inaugural flight, ensuring they were well-prepared and ready to respond to any contingencies. Regarding confidence, the inaugural flight crew possessed a solid theoretical foundation, rigorous training standards, and proficient operational skills, giving them absolute confidence in successfully completing the mission.
Li Xiaoliang stated, "The opening of Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's Terminal 3 and fifth runway is a significant milestone in the construction of a civil aviation hub, and also marks the fifth true runway at a domestic airport. Our crew is very excited to witness this moment. China Eastern's C919 has been operating safely for over a year since its maiden flight to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport on June 14, 2024. During this time, we have experienced the rigorous, pragmatic, meticulous, and efficient work style of Baiyun Airport, the Central and Southern Air Traffic Management Bureau, and other departments, which has provided strong support for the operation of domestically produced civil aircraft in the Central and Southern regions. We believe that with the combined efforts of all parties, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's Terminal 3 and fifth runway will operate very smoothly."
Passengers Praise the Enhanced Flight Experience
On the day of the inaugural flight, many aviation enthusiasts specifically bought tickets to experience the first flight departing from Terminal 3. One aviation enthusiast said he would definitely not miss the big day of Baiyun Airport Terminal 3's inaugural flight. "To witness this moment, I specifically bought a ticket for the inaugural flight. Later, I discovered that China Eastern Airlines had switched to using the domestically produced C919 aircraft for this route, meaning I unlocked China Eastern's first C919-operated Beijing-Guangzhou route – an even bigger surprise! Speaking of the experience, Baiyun Airport uses facial recognition systems for check-in, security, and boarding, which is incredibly modern. The observation tower inside the terminal also greatly satisfies the needs of aviation enthusiasts who want to take photos of the planes!"
Mr. Li, a passenger who had just finished a business trip to the Canton Fair, said that being among the first passengers at Terminal 3 was a special coincidence, and he felt very honored. "From my experience, the smart devices in the check-in area operate smoothly, the security checkpoints are highly efficient, and the commercial facilities and rest areas in the waiting area are more complete than before. I personally found the arcade window design in the commercial area quite surprising, and the indoor garden in the departure hall of the terminal was also a pleasant surprise. In addition, China Eastern Airlines business travelers can conveniently go through security through a dedicated channel, enter the lounge, and go directly to the boarding gate, avoiding the chaos of long queues, which is a great experience. As a frequent flyer, I think that the new terminal at Baiyun Airport truly reflects the future development trend of international aviation hubs and also serves as a good representation of the city."