New Pearl River Delta Hub Airport Breaks Ground in Guangdong Province
Construction of the Pearl River Delta Hub (Guangzhou New) Airport officially commenced on March 25, 2026, in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, adding a significant new aviation hub to the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The airport is strategically located in the Gaoming District of Foshan City, serving as the geographical center for Foshan, Zhaoqing, Jiangmen, and Yunfu cities.
Strategic Importance and Regional Connectivity
The new airport aims to improve air connectivity in the western part of the Pearl River Delta, a region previously underserved by existing aviation infrastructure. Existing airports in the GBA are primarily concentrated in the eastern part of the delta according to the Guangdong Airport Authority. This new hub is expected to directly serve a population exceeding 20 million residents.
Project Details and Capacity
The project represents a substantial investment of 41.81 billion yuan (approximately 6.07 billion U.S. Dollars). Key features of the airport include:
- Two widely spaced parallel runways
- A terminal building spanning approximately 260,000 square meters
- 94 aircraft stands
Upon completion, the airport is designed to handle an annual passenger throughput of 30 million, a cargo and mail throughput of 500,000 tonnes, and 260,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings as reported by Xinhua.
Greater Bay Area Aviation Growth
The development of the Pearl River Delta Hub Airport aligns with the rapid growth of aviation within the Greater Bay Area. In 2025, airports in the GBA collectively handled over 230 million passenger trips and approximately 9.72 million tonnes of cargo and mail, solidifying the region’s position as a leading global aviation hub . The Airports Council International forecasts air passenger demand in the GBA to reach 420 million by 2035.
Economic Context
The Greater Bay Area’s economic strength continues to grow. In 2024, the GBA’s GDP surpassed that of the New York Bay Area and the San Francisco Bay Area. Economic output is projected to exceed 15 trillion yuan in 2025 .
Cultural Integration in Design
The airport’s terminal design draws inspiration from cultural icons of the region, including the Foshan Ancestral Temple, dragon boats, and lion dances. Inside, travelers will experience Lingnan-style gardens, art exhibitions, and premium retail and dining options, creating a culturally rich travel experience.