New Aviation Hub Breaks Ground in China’s Greater Bay Area
GUANGZHOU, March 25 (Xinhua) – Construction of the Pearl River Delta Hub (Guangzhou New) Airport officially commenced on Wednesday, bolstering aviation infrastructure within the rapidly growing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The new airport aims to alleviate pressure on existing facilities and cater to the increasing demand for air travel in the region.
Strategic Location and Regional Impact
Located in Gaoming District of Foshan City, the new airport is strategically positioned at the geographical center of Foshan, Zhaoqing, Jiangmen, and Yunfu cities. This central location is designed to serve a population exceeding 20 million residents. Currently, GBA airports are concentrated in the eastern Pearl River Delta; this new hub will focus on serving the western portion of the region, improving connectivity and accessibility for a wider population base.
Project Details and Capacity
The project represents a substantial investment of 41.81 billion yuan (approximately $6.07 billion USD). The initial phase of construction includes two parallel runways, a terminal building spanning approximately 260,000 square meters, and 94 aircraft stands. Upon completion, the airport is projected to handle an annual passenger throughput of 30 million, manage 500,000 tonnes of cargo and mail, and accommodate 260,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings.
Greater Bay Area Economic Growth and Aviation Demand
The GBA is experiencing significant economic expansion. In 2024, the region’s GDP surpassed that of the New York Bay Area and the San Francisco Bay Area, establishing it as a leading global economic hub. Economic output is forecast to exceed 15 trillion yuan in 2025. This economic growth is driving a corresponding increase in air travel.
In 2025, airports within 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 major aviation cluster. The Airports Council International anticipates air passenger demand in the GBA will reach 420 million by 2035, underscoring the need for expanded infrastructure.
Guangzhou’s Existing Aviation Infrastructure
The new airport complements Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), which opened in 2004 and serves as a major hub for China Southern Airlines, FedEx Express, 9 Air, Hainan Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located in the Huadu and Baiyun districts of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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