Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has emerged as China’s busiest airport this year.
After ranking first nationwide in passenger traffic in the first half of the year, the airport broke another record in August.
In August, Baiyun Airport handled 8.394 million passengers, up 14.39% year on year, while aircraft movements reached 52,400, an increase of 8.86%.
How significant is that figure? Baiyun Airport handled more passengers than Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which recorded 8.3137 million passengers during the same month, putting Guangzhou back at first place nationwide.
More importantly, the 8.394 million passengers marked the highest monthly passenger throughput recorded by any Chinese airport since 2020. For comparison, Beijing Capital International Airport handled 9.045 million passengers in August 2018.
In other words, Baiyun Airport did more than simply overtake Pudong in August. It raised the bar for monthly passenger traffic in China to its highest level in six years.
So, why was Baiyun Airport so strong in August?
Historically, Baiyun tends to perform better during the off-season, while Pudong has generally had the edge during the summer travel peak.
Weather was one factor. Typhoons and other adverse weather conditions in August disrupted air travel in Shanghai to some extent, while Baiyun Airport was less affected.
But another advantage for Baiyun Airport is becoming increasingly prominent: international routes.
In August, Baiyun Airport handled 6.6109 million domestic passengers, up 13.73% year on year, while international passengers reached 1.7066 million, up 16.55%.
International passenger traffic grew even faster than domestic traffic, pointing to a broader trend: Guangzhou’s international connectivity is strengthening, with international routes emerging as one of Baiyun Airport’s most significant sources of passenger growth.
Baiyun Airport’s international and regional route network continues to expand, with more than 100 international and regional destinations now served. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania and markets along the Belt and Road are becoming increasingly important components of Guangzhou’s international aviation network.
In the first half of this year, more than 10 million people entered or exited China through the Baiyun Airport, up 21% year on year.
The surge in international passengers at Baiyun Airport also reflects Guangzhou’s growing appeal and expanding international presence.
