BEIJING International Airport has opened its third runway, easing the traffic pressure at the country’s busiest airport.

The new 3,800 metre runway is equipped with an advanced landing guidance system and is able to accommodate the Airbus A380, said airport general manager Zhang Zhizhong.

It is part of an expansion project that includes a new terminal building, 100 new aprons, a cargo zone and auxiliary facilities.

The project will enable the airport to accommodate 60 million passengers and handle 1.8 million tons of cargo each year. The new terminal building is expected to come into use in February 2008.