Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has returned to the world’s top 10 busiest hubs, highlighting the Greater Bay Area’s strengthening role in global aviation as travel steadily recovers.

Latest figures from Airports Council International (ACI) show Baiyun handled 83.58 million passengers in 2025, climbing to ninth place from 12th a year earlier. Passenger throughput surpassed 80 million for the first time, with international traffic making up over one-fifth of the total and growing by nearly 20 percent year-on-year.

The airport’s recovery is underpinned by strong cargo and flight activity, with more than 2.37 million tonnes of freight handled and over 512,000 aircraft movements recorded in 2024.

A major expansion, including a new Terminal 3 and additional runways, is set to boost long-term capacity, reinforcing Guangzhou’s position as a key gateway linking southern China to global markets.