China airports climb global-connectivity ranking as international routes rise: OAG report
Por Ralph Jennings — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement China travel Economy China Economy China airports climb global-connectivity ranking as international routes rise: OAG report
Third terminal helps Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport jump 17 places in global standings, while airports in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong also improve
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Ralph Jennings Published: 11:00am, 17 Sep 2026
Among the world’s most connected airports, Guangzhou’s hub has posted the fastest rise through the latest rankings, according to an annual list compiled by aviation data firm OAG. And overall, Chinese hubs stood out as carriers expanded their international networks with added flights.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in southern China jumped to 19th place, from 36th last year, in OAG’s Megahubs 2026 report, released on Wednesday. An OAG spokeswoman called its jump the biggest of any airport globally.
The addition of the airport’s third terminal in October has since facilitated air connections throughout the region, including neighbouring Hong Kong and Macau.
Passenger and flight volumes increased “sharply” at the airport in early 2026, reflecting a rebound in air-travel demand, according to the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office. The airport now handles 146 international routes, served by 80 airlines.
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