When Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport opens its new International Cargo Terminal 3, it will add over 1 million tonnes of annual air freight capacity. That is roughly the equivalent of adding an entire mid-sized airport’s worth of cargo handling to an already busy hub .
A few kilometers south, Nansha Port is adding 6.7 million TEUs of container capacity—enough to make it one of the largest single port areas in the world.
Together, these two projects represent the biggest single-year capacity increase in Guangzhou’s logistics history. If your supply chain runs through Guangzhou, your shipping options are about to change.
Air Cargo: International Cargo Terminal 3
The Latest Infrastructure Updates
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is completing its Phase III expansion. The latest milestone: International Cargo Terminal 3, which is set to open soon. This facility covers approximately 420,000 square meters and has a designed annual cargo handling capacity of over 1 million tonnes. It is located right next to the cargo apron and customs inspection zone, enabling seamless aircraft-to-cargo connectivity.
Smart Technology at the Terminal
The terminal is built around “unmanned, intelligent, and digital” operations. Key features include:
- A “Smart Brain” high-level control system—industry-first technology that automates task allocation and resource scheduling
- Automated pallet storage and retrieval systems
- Smart load planning and consolidation areas
- Smart warehousing for inbound cargo processing
The terminal also includes specialized zones for dangerous goods and temperature-sensitive cargo.
Importance For Shipments
More capacity means less congestion. With an additional 1 million tonnes of annual capacity, the airport can handle more flights and larger shipments without delays.
Faster processing times. The automated systems reduce manual handling and speed up cargo movement from receiving to aircraft.
Better handling of specialized goods. The dedicated zones for dangerous goods and temperature-sensitive cargo mean more product types can move through Guangzhou efficiently.
Port Expansion: Nansha Terminal 5 and New Berths
Nansha Terminal 5: Full Construction Underway
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | 14.45 billion yuan |
| Capacity | 6.7 million TEUs annually |
| Berths | 4×200,000-tonne deep-water berths |
| Barge Berths | 15×5,000-tonne barge berths |
| Total Quay Length | Over 3,800 meters |
The project includes:
When completed, Nansha Port’s total annual container capacity will reach 35 million TEUs, placing it among the world’s top single port areas . The new berths can accommodate the world’s largest container vessels .
New Operational Berths Added
In May 2026, several new berths became operational :
- Nansha Phase IV Terminal
- New berths at the Grain and General Terminal expansion
- Jinyang Terminal
These additions increased the number of foreign trade berths at Nansha to 18, adding 4,662 meters of new operational quay and 25 new berths. Foreign trade container capacity increased by 4.9 million TEUs, and general cargo throughput capacity rose by 17.92 million tonnes .
Smart and Green Port Technology
Nansha Phase V will use an automated terminal technology path developed by Guangzhou Port, integrating :
- AI, big data, and IoT
- A fully automated operational chain covering loading, transport, yard management, and gate operations
- 100% electric drive equipment and shore power systems
- Near-zero carbon and “green port” standards
New Shipping Routes Expanding Global Reach
More International Routes
Nansha Port has continued to expand its route network in 2026:
- Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) launched the JADE route, a premium Asia-Europe service operated by 24,000 TEU-class vessels .
- CMA CGM launched the OCR (Ocean Rise Express) Asia-Europe route .
- New Southeast Asia routes have been added by multiple carriers .
By mid-2026, Nansha Port operated over 210 container routes, including more than 180 foreign trade routes connecting to over 310 ports worldwide . Over 150 of these are “Belt and Road” routes, making Nansha one of China’s best-connected ports for Belt and Road trade .
How These Updates Support Your Guangzhou Warehouse Logistics
Faster Turnaround Times
The new air cargo terminal and expanded port berths mean faster processing at both ends. For air freight, the automated systems reduce cargo handling time. For ocean freight, more berths mean vessels spend less time waiting to dock and unload.
More Shipping Options
New routes to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East give you more choices. More competition among carriers can also help keep freight rates competitive.
Better Handling for Specialized Goods
The new air cargo terminal’s dangerous goods and temperature-controlled storage zones mean more product categories can be shipped through Guangzhou. If you sell electronics with batteries, pharmaceuticals, or perishable goods, this is particularly relevant.
Increased Capacity
With International Cargo Terminal 3 adding over 1 million tonnes of air cargo capacity and Nansha Phase V adding 6.7 million TEUs of container capacity, the overall logistics capacity of Guangzhou is expanding significantly. This should help reduce congestion during peak seasons.
The Bottom Line
- International Cargo Terminal 3 at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is opening soon, adding 1 million+ tonnes of annual air cargo capacity with fully automated, “smart” operations .
- Nansha Port Phase V is under construction, adding 6.7 million TEUs of annual container capacity. The port also added new berths and new Asia-Europe shipping routes in early 2026 .
- Smart and green technology is being deployed across both air and sea infrastructure, improving processing speeds and reducing environmental impact .
- For warehouse users, these updates mean faster processing times, more shipping options, better handling of specialized goods, and increased capacity to handle peak volumes.