Beijing Airport Terminal 1 is the smallest terminal at Beijing Airport since it serves only domestic flights to major Chinese cities. It was inaugurated in 1980 and has undergone several renovation works and upgrades. The terminal is home of 16 boarding gates. From Beijing Airport Terminal 1 it is possible to reach Terminal 2 by a walkway. Transfer time is about 10-15 minutes’ walk. There’s also a shuttle bus service between terminals as well. It runs from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm, every 10 minutes, and also between 11:00 pm and 06:00 am every 15-30 minutes.
Beijing Capital International Airport’s Terminal 1 stands as a cornerstone of China’s aviation history, opening its doors on January 1, 1980, as a modern replacement for the modest facility that had served since the airport’s inception in 1958. Spanning about 60,000 square meters with capacity for 10 to 12 aircraft, this green-hued structure was designed to handle up to 60 daily flights and 1,500 peak-hour passengers, meeting international standards for efficiency. It marked a significant leap in accommodating the nation’s growing air travel demands, blending functional design with the era’s architectural optimism.
By the mid-1990s, however, Terminal 1’s limitations became evident amid surging passenger volumes, prompting its temporary closure in 1999 for extensive renovations while Terminal 2 took over operations. Reopened on September 20, 2004, the upgraded facility featured enhanced infrastructure, including 16 gates tailored for streamlined domestic services. This revival positioned it as a dedicated hub for regional connectivity, reflecting Beijing’s rapid urbanization and the broader expansion of the airport complex ahead of global events like the 2008 Olympics.
Today, Terminal 1 primarily serves as the operational base for Hainan Airlines and its affiliates, such as Grand China Air and Tianjin Airlines, focusing exclusively on mainland domestic routes to major Chinese cities. Passengers appreciate its two-story layout—arrivals on the ground floor and departures above—with around 50 check-in counters minimizing wait times and fostering a sense of ease. Connected seamlessly to other terminals via free shuttle buses and a pedestrian corridor to Terminal 2, it remains an accessible entry point for travelers exploring China’s vast interior from the heart of the capital.
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