(BEIJING, February 27) -- Terminal 3 of the Beijing Capital International Airport will open for operation beginning February 29, following the relocation of six airlines to the new terminal, a spokesperson for the Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Ltd announced at a press conference Tuesday.

Covering 986,000 square meters, Terminal 3 took nearly four years to complete.

The expanded Capital International will be the nation's first airport to have three terminals, two towers and three runways in operation simultaneously. The number of taxi lanes will increase from 71 to 137, and the number of parking apron bays will increase from 164 to 314. And as one of the world's largest airports, Capital International will be able to accept Airbus 380 aircraft.

Airline migration in two phases

The migration of 26 airlines to the new terminal will proceed in two phases. On February 29, six airlines, including Shandong Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Qantas will move to T3. On March 26, the remaining 20 airlines, including Air China, Asiana Airlines, Canadian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Dragon Air, will follow suit.

In addition, all flights from Beijing to Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport will depart from T3.

Three functional areas

Terminal 3 will have three functional areas: T3-C will process domestic and international check-in, domestic departures and both domestic and international baggage claim; T3-D will handle chartered flights during and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games; T3-E will handle international departures and arrivals.

Convenient transportation and food services

Convenient Shuttles will transport passengers who need to get from one terminal to another. To leave the airport and get to various destinations around the city, the affordable airport shuttles that already serve customers in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 will also be available to customers in Terminal 3. Drivers will be able to reach and leave the airport via one of five expressways.

And the new terminal will offer customers a selection of 64 food and beverage operations offering Western food, fast food, Asian food, coffee, tea, dessert -- all at reasonable prices.

Arrive early to check-in

Because the check-in counters in Terminal 3 will open earlier relative to the other two terminals, domestic passengers should be aware that check-in will end 45 minutes prior to departure, and check-in will end 60 minutes prior to departure for international travelers.