Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (former)


Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, formerly known as Canton Civil Airport or Pai Yuen Airport was the main airport in Guangzhou, China, until August5, 2004, when it was replaced by a new airport of the same name, to the north.

History

The airport started construction in Winter 1932 and opened in the following year in November. During the Canton Operation, the Japanese Navy invaded the airport and expanded the runway. In 1963, the People's Liberation Army Air Force moved away from the airport, making the airport only for public use. The name of the airport is changed to "Baiyun" named from nearby Baiyun Mountain. Due to the expansion of Guangzhou, the airport could not expand to meet passengers needs. On August 5, 2004, the new Baiyun airport opened and the old airport was closed.
The former terminal of the airport is being converted into a large shopping mall. The northern portion of the former airport is being turned into a provincial- and city-level functional area integrating conference services. The southern portion will be converted into Guangzhou's secondary center integrating retail, sports facilities, business, and cultural activities.

Incidents and accidents