The annual China Development Forum (CDF) 2025 is scheduled to take place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on March 23-24, 2025. Sponsored by the Development Research Centre of the State Council and organized by the China Development Research Foundation, this annual event attracts numerous high-profile business leaders and executives to Beijing.

With increased business aviation traffic expected at Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA), planning ahead is essential to secure required services and parking.

Here’s what you need to know:

Airport Considerations for Business Aviation

Primary Airport – Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA)

Aerial View of Beijing International Airport

For business flights attending the event, ZBAA is the main airport of operations. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and airport authorities will prioritize overnight parking for flights related to CDF. However, due to high demand, event flights may still be assigned to compact parking zones or remote stands.

For non-event flights, overnight parking at ZBAA may not be available from March 21-25, 2025. Operators should plan accordingly and consider alternative options if necessary.

Ramp Services & Ground Handling Delays

Due to the influx of arriving and departing flights, expect potential delays in ramp services, including lavatory and water truck services, particularly when multiple event flights operate within the same time frame.

CIQ & Security Processing at ZBAA

At the ZBAA Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) facility, Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) and security check procedures may take longer than usual. Given that only one security channel is available, passengers and crew may experience queue times from March 22-26, 2025, especially if multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

Alternate Airport – Beijing Daxing International Airport (ZBAD)

Beijing Daxing Airport Aerial View

For operators seeking alternative options, Beijing Daxing International Airport (ZBAD) is available as a backup. With better parking conditions and fewer congestion issues, ZBAD may offer a more flexible operating environment during the CDF event.

Special Considerations for CDF Attendees

For confirmed CDF 2025 attendees, the CDF Organizing Committee can issue three types of letters that may facilitate business aviation operations:

1. Letter to CAAC – This letter helps prioritize landing permits and preferred slot approvals for flights attending the event.
2. Letter to ZBAA Immigration – This letter assists with expedited immigration clearance for CDF attendees at ZBAA.
3. Letter to ZBAA Customs – This letter supports faster customs processing for event attendees at ZBAA.

Requesting CDF Letters

• The passenger’s local contact or secretary should request letter templates directly from the CDF Organizing Committee and complete the required information.
• Requests should be sent to Yingbing@cdrf.org.cn.
• The CDF Committee will only issue these letters once the attendee’s registration for the event is confirmed.

Letter Submission & Processing

• The CDF Committee will submit the CAAC letter directly to CAAC, facilitating landing permit approvals.
• Letters for Immigration and Customs must be forwarded to the local receiving team, who will then provide the original letters to the ground handler.
• The handler will submit the letters to the appropriate airport authorities before the aircraft’s arrival.
• If preferred, the letters can be handed over upon landing, but scanned copies should be sent in advance.

Final Considerations

With high demand for slots, parking, and ground services, planning early for CDF 2025 is critical. Confirm your travel plans now, and ensure passengers are registered for the event to obtain necessary letters. Without an official invitation letter from the CDF Committee, access to ZBAA may not be granted before, during, or after the event.

Our Universal Aviation China team is working closely with local authorities to determine the best aircraft parking solutions and staying up-to-date with the latest restrictions regarding this event. For the latest information or help setting up services, please contact Universal Aviation China.