On December 6, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport announced that from January 1 to December 2 this year, the airport handled a cumulative total of 76.52 million passengers, already surpassing the full-year total for 2024. International passenger volume reached 15.84 million, a year-on-year increase of 19.01%, accounting for 20.70% of the total passenger traffic.
On the same day, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport launched its 60th international passenger route with a maiden flight to Tawau, Malaysia, restoring the number of international and regional routes to the peak level of 2019.
By the end of November, the commencement of operations for Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport's third runway, the opening of Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's T3 terminal and fifth runway, and the first anniversary of Hong Kong Airport's three-runway system had been achieved.
This wave of upgrades to the world-class airport cluster has brought a surge in traffic, making the GBA a globally renowned air traffic hub.
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport now operates with three runways, with construction underway for the T2 terminal area and the northern cargo zone. The future layout is designed to accommodate an annual passenger capacity of 80 million and a cargo and mail throughput of 4.5 million tons.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's T3 terminal has been operating for a full month, with passenger flow steadily increasing.
Hong Kong Airport will see part of its T2 terminal open in the first half of next year.
The synergy between Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao, characterized by functional complementarity, air traffic control coordination, and resource sharing, signals a new stage of clustered development in China's aviation.
Besides air traffic, the airports are also transforming into hubs for shopping, sightseeing, and check-in.
The panoramic viewing platform at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's T3 has become an instant hit upon opening. Visitors can book in advance before the security check to watch aircraft take off and land up close, attracting an average of over 3,000 visitors daily and exceeding 100,000 in its first month.
Hong Kong Airport's Sky Bridge has become a popular check-in spot as the world's longest landside-to-airside passenger bridge. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport has upgraded children's areas and retail/dining options, turning the airport itself into a consumer destination.
With sky trails interweaving, high-speed rail networks connecting, and cargo terminals operating around the clock, the in-depth integration of the airport cluster with the regional economy is writing a new chapter for the GBA.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Guo Chuhua
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
