China’s First Pet-Focused Airport Terminal Begins Operations
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has launched China’s first airport terminal designed specifically for pet travelers, marking a major advancement in pet-friendly air travel.
The terminal, which started operations during the Labour Day holiday, is situated directly across from Gate 29 in Terminal 1.
One-Stop Travel for Pets and Owners
Spanning 2,000 square meters, half indoor, half outdoor, the pet terminal offers a comprehensive range of services: quarantine procedures, ticketing assistance, check-in counters tailored for pet owners, cargo transport, and even hotel-style foster care for animals.
Travelers can now complete the entire pet flight process with a single online booking through WeChat mini-programs like “Airport Pass” or “Baiyun Pet Terminal.”
With these streamlined services, the time required for pet travel procedures has dropped from seven days to just two.
Designed with Pets in Mind
The terminal’s bright, pet-themed design reflects its focus on comfort and efficiency. The on-site pet hotel can accommodate 17 to 30 pets at once, offering tailored accommodations such as vertical spaces for cats and social areas for dogs, all managed to the standards of a luxury hotel.
Owners can even interact with their pets remotely via daily video updates.
Tang, a passenger involved in trial operations, praised the terminal for simplifying procedures and easing the stress on her cat during travel.
“This makes traveling with pets so much easier,” she said.
Growing Demand for Pet Travel
According to Chinanews.com, 25% of domestic air travelers in China now own pets. The country is also broadening its pet transport options beyond air travel. China Railway Group recently introduced a pilot pet transport service on certain Beijing–Shanghai high-speed rail routes.
As domestic demand rises, officials say Guangzhou’s pet terminal may expand its services to include more domestic and international flights, offering a model for other airports across the country.
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