The Starfish That Will Decide the Future of Air Travel - Beijing Daxing International Airport
Introduction
Beijing Daxing International Airport (IATA: PKX, ICAO: ZBAD) is one of the most beautiful and newest airports that has opened around the world. The sprawling complex opened in 2019 and serves as an entry point to China proper as well as the surrounding megapolis of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Boasting a truly unique 'starfish' layout and plenty of next-gen infrastructure, Daxing is set to represent the future in how we use our wings.
Airlines and Destinations
For SkyTeam alliance airlines and a selection of Oneworld members, the Daxing Airport is the home base, while Hainan Airlines, along with most Star Alliance members, are still based at Beijing Capital International. To date, the airport offers non-stop passenger flights to 161 destinations in 22 countries, predominantly servicing domestic routes within China.
Total Number of Passengers and Flights
In the 12 months to December 2023, Daxing International Airport (PKX) in Beijing had a solid year, also cracking the half-billion passenger threshold, rounding out at 99 million passengers. Beijing airport: The Chinese airport accounted for 290,000 inbound and outbound de-icing Type I services with a total count of 30 airlines in traffic to the year 2030.
How to Get Here
Beijing Daxing International Airport (IATA: PKX, ICAO: ZBAD) is about 46 kilometers south of Tiananmen Square. The airport is also accessible to passengers via taxi, shuttle bus service, metro, and high-speed train. It takes only 20 minutes from Beijing West Station to Daxing Airport Station, and at the same time, it is also as fast as 19 minutes from Daxing Airport Station to Xiong'an Station.
Parking
At Daxing, there is plenty of parking available: a big lot just for the terminal building. Inside the airport, travelers can take advantage of service counters and amenities, including banks, hotels, dining areas, and lounges.
- CNY 20 – The shuttle bus from the Gu'an City Terminal to Daxing Airport, the first at 05:30, and the last leaves at 21:00. The return route from Daxing Airport to Gu'an City Terminal starts operation at 07:30 and ends at 22:00.
- Airport facilities: the Beijing Daxing International Airport Terminal encompasses a surface area of 780,000 square meters, with 104 boarding bridges. The building reaches five floors, and its unique "starfish" shape minimizes the distance traveled by passengers. The Airport is also easy to navigate due to clearly divided airport zones, directions, and plenty of signs (Marketing, 2021). Moreover, being a one-tower entity, the passengers of Daxing Airport do not need to cross the terminals. Instead, people can comfortably navigate the airport using moving walkways, escalators, and elevators, connecting all the terminal areas. Lastly, the passengers are provided with a wide variety of services, amenities, and facilities that create a convenient environment for the travelers. These can include duty-free stores, restaurants, lounges, banks, hotels, and quiet office spaces. Restaurants and shops: the terminal offers a plethora of catering opportunities, such as local Chinese cuisine and international fast-food chains. Similarly, tourists can explore duty-free zones and stores, purchase luxury goods, and visit convenience stores. Moreover, following the e-boarding pass launch for international and regional flights, the airport has been paying particular attention to customs and security.
Accessibility
This means all areas of Daxing Airport are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, with spacious walkways that have ramps and elevators for easy navigation by disabled passengers or those experiencing mobility problems. The airport has dedicated support services, too, to help ensure a smooth experience.
Travel Tips
Wake up early and arrive at the airport for check-in, security, and boarding procedures 2-3 hours before departure. Passengers should also be given pre-landing information on how to maximize their time here, literally getting a leg up at the airport by learning about its layout and offerings.