On April 14, Airports Council International (ACI) released its highly anticipated list of the world's top 10 busiest airports for 2024, with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport securing a spot among them.

(Photo: Aviation Logistics Committee of CFLP)

According to ACI, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport ranked 10th globally in aircraft movements in 2024, handling a total of 512,004 aircraft takeoffs and landings—a 12.3% year-on-year increase. The airport also ranked 9th worldwide in cargo and mail throughput, managing over 2.37 million metric tons (2.37 billion kilograms) of cargo, reflecting a 16.9% increase compared to 2023.

(Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission)

As of March 31, 2025, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport processed over 4 million inbound and outbound passengers in the first quarter, marking a 24.5% year-on-year increase and reaching this milestone 20 days earlier than the same period in 2024. The rising popularity of "China Travel" air-tourism packages, along with favorable policies such as the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme, has contributed to a significant rebound in international and regional travel markets. In response, the airport has expanded its international route network by launching, resuming, or increasing the frequency of nine international routes—including those to Surabaya, Osaka, and Bangkok—and by adding two new international destinations.

Southeast Asia routes now account for nearly 500 weekly departures from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the highest frequency among all airports in mainland China.

The T3 terminal of Baiyun Airport is expected to be operational by the end of this year. By 2030, the annual passenger throughput of Baiyun Airport is projected to reach 120 million people, with a cargo throughput capacity of 3.8 million tons annually, positioning it as one of the world's leading aviation hubs.

The rendering of the T3 terminal of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission)