As PRC — a country of 1.41 billion people — moving away from the long “hypnosis” associated with COVID-19, returning to normal capacity and aviation. China — recognized economic center — quickly reconnects with the world.
Thus, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) ranks first among all Chinese airports in terms of scheduled passenger traffic. It will reach 10.1 million people between January and March of this year.
Together, 15 largest airports will serve more than 100 million passengers in the first quarter:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) — 10.1 million;
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) — 8.2 million;
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) — 8.1 million;
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) — 8 million;
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) — 7 million;
Kunming Changshui International Airport — 7 million;
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) — 6.8 million;
Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) — 6.8 million;
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) — 6.7 million;
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) — 6.3 million;
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) — 6.1 million;
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) — 5.3 million;
Chengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) — 4.9 million;
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) — 4.7 million;
Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) — 4.6 million
Two airports on the list are in Beijing: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport — in second and seventh places, respectively. Together, these two airports are well ahead of China Southern's hub in Guangzhou — Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, with a total of 15.1 million passengers scheduled for the first quarter.
The Lunar New Year is in full swing and predictably has been a welcome boost for airlines across China. China Eastern (MU) carries more than 200,000 passengers daily, averaging almost 3,000 flights a day between January 8 and February 25. In January, the Shanghai-based carrier scheduled 400 international flights to 43 destinations, up 220 percent year-over-year.
With the explosive demand for travel, not only local but also international carriers are ramping up. Lion Air recently resumed its route from Shenzhen to Bali — China's first overseas destination since the pandemic.
Air New Zealand announced an increase to four direct flights per day from Auckland to Shanghai. The airline will now offer 1,200 seats per week between the two countries. The carrier has operated cargo flights to the Chinese mainland throughout the pandemic, and added fresh seafood and cherries from Central Otago to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Chinese travelers contribute more than 253 billion dollars.