On March 25, construction officially commenced on the Guangzhou new airport project in Gaoming District, Foshan. The airport is positioned as an "aviation hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and a "comprehensive transportation hub in the western Greater Bay Area."
The current phase of the project has a total investment of RMB 41.808 billion, including RMB 35.909 billion for the airport itself. Plans include the construction of two widely spaced parallel runways, a terminal building with a floor area of approximately 260,000 square meters, 94 aircraft stands, and supporting facilities. Upon completion, the airport is expected to handle an annual passenger throughput of 30 million, cargo and mail throughput of 500,000 tonnes, and 260,000 aircraft movements.
Rendering of the new Guangzhou Airport project (File photo)
Located in Gaoming District of Foshan, the Guangzhou new airport aims to address the current imbalance in the Greater Bay Area's airport system—where the eastern side is stronger than the west—and to serve as a key missing piece in building a world-class airport cluster in the region. Once operational, the airport will directly serve more than 20 million people in Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, and surrounding areas. It will also complement the strengths of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, promoting coordinated development and enhancing integration between the region's world-class airport system and urban clusters.
The development of the airport economy brings vast opportunities. Gaoming District has already taken proactive steps in this direction. In recent years, it has accelerated efforts to develop the aviation industry and airport economy, including the construction of an aviation materials industrial park near the airport. It has also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China Southern Airlines, with both sides set to collaborate across six key areas: base development, route expansion, industrial growth, integration of aviation and tourism, air-rail intermodal transport, and the low-altitude economy, with a total investment exceeding RMB 2 billion.
Experts believe that the construction of the Guangzhou new airport will significantly boost Gaoming's industrial development, particularly in logistics, high-tech industries, and related supporting sectors. It is also expected to position Gaoming as a strategic gateway connecting the Greater Bay Area with Southwest China and deepening cooperation with ASEAN countries.
Reporter: Bai Hua
Photo: Dai Jiaxin
