Top 10 Busiest Airports in China: A Gateway to the World
China, with its vast population and booming economy, is home to some of the world’s busiest and most modern airports. These hubs serve as vital links not only within China but also to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. From state-of-the-art terminals to strategic geopolitical locations, each airport plays a crucial role in keeping the world connected. Here is a comprehensive look at the Top 10 Busiest Airports in China based on annual passenger traffic.
1. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Location: Beijing
Passengers (2023): ~65 million
As the main gateway to China’s capital, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is not only the busiest airport in China but also among the top in the world. The airport boasts three terminals, including the enormous Terminal 3, which was built to support the 2008 Olympics.
PEK connects over 130 international destinations and hundreds of domestic ones. Airlines like Air China, Hainan Airlines, and China Southern use it as a hub. With the opening of Beijing Daxing (PKX), PEK’s traffic slightly declined, but it remains the backbone of China’s air travel network.
2. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
Passengers (2023): ~60 million
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a key aviation hub in southern China and the main base for China Southern Airlines. With two runways and two terminals, the airport is a crucial gateway to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
CAN has rapidly grown over the past two decades and plays a significant role in trade and tourism, thanks to the Greater Bay Area development strategy. Its connectivity and location near manufacturing and commercial centers make it one of the most strategically important airports in Asia.
3. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Location: Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Passengers (2023): ~55 million (combined with Chengdu Shuangliu)
Opened in 2021, Chengdu Tianfu International is the newest mega airport in China and is expected to become one of the top three busiest in the country in the coming years. Chengdu now operates two airports—Tianfu and Shuangliu (CTU)—sharing traffic loads.
Tianfu features impressive architectural designs and serves as a hub for western China, offering increased connections to Europe, the Middle East, and domestic destinations.
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4. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
Location: Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
Passengers (2023): ~50 million
Located in one of China’s fastest-growing tech cities, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is a tech-savvy facility with a stunning, futuristic Terminal 3. The airport acts as a secondary hub for China Southern and Shenzhen Airlines.
Its strategic location near Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta gives it a significant advantage. SZX also serves as a major cargo hub, handling a substantial amount of e-commerce and high-tech shipments.
5. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Location: Shanghai
Passengers (2023): ~48 million
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a global hub with strong links to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Although COVID-19 reduced its international traffic, PVG remains a leading airport for long-haul travel and cargo.
It is the main international gateway for Shanghai, with Terminals 1 and 2 handling both domestic and international flights, and a satellite terminal recently added to accommodate growing demand. It’s also home to the world’s largest automated cargo terminal.
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6. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Location: Shanghai
Passengers (2023): ~40 million
Unlike Pudong, Hongqiao International Airport primarily handles domestic flights. Located closer to the city center, it is preferred by business travelers for short-haul connections, especially on the busy Beijing–Shanghai route.
Hongqiao is well-integrated with China’s high-speed rail network, making it a unique and highly efficient intermodal transport hub.
7. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Location: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
Passengers (2023): ~35 million
Serving the historic city of Xi’an, home to the Terracotta Army, Xianyang International Airport has emerged as a significant regional hub for central China. With strong tourism and business travel numbers, it has become increasingly important in domestic air travel.
XIY serves as a hub for China Eastern and Hainan Airlines and continues to expand its international network, particularly to Central Asia and Europe.
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8. Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Location: Kunming, Yunnan Province
Passengers (2023): ~34 million
Located in southwest China, Kunming Changshui is a gateway to Southeast Asia. It serves as a key hub for China Eastern Airlines and connects to dozens of international destinations including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and India.
The airport is known for its eco-friendly design and efficient layout. It also serves as a vital node for China’s Belt and Road Initiative due to its location near South and Southeast Asia.
9. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Passengers (2023): ~33 million
Serving the vibrant tech and cultural hub of Hangzhou, HGH is a growing airport with strong business and leisure travel demand. It’s an important base for Air China, Xiamen Airlines, and Loong Air.
With the city’s rise as a tech center (home to Alibaba), HGH is seeing consistent growth in both domestic and international travel. Expansion plans include new terminals and international routes targeting Southeast Asia and Europe.
10. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
Location: Chongqing Municipality
Passengers (2023): ~32 million
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is the primary air gateway to southwestern China. It has seen rapid development in recent years due to the Belt and Road Initiative and its location along the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
CKG serves as a hub for West Air and China Express Airlines. It also has a growing network of routes to Europe and Central Asia, positioning itself as a future international aviation hub.
Conclusion
China’s busiest airports are more than just travel hubs; they’re powerful symbols of the country’s economic dynamism and technological ambition. From the mega-hubs in Beijing and Shanghai to the rapidly expanding gateways in Chengdu and Xi’an, each airport plays a vital role in regional development and international connectivity.
With continued infrastructure investment and strong domestic demand, China is poised to dominate global air travel in the coming decades. Whether you’re a business traveler, a tourist, or part of the booming logistics network, these top 10 airports showcase the future of aviation in Asia—and the world.
Image Credits- Beijing International Airport