(Photo: The Baiyun Border Inspection Station)
The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has recorded a significant rise in cross-border travel, with over four million passenger movements in the first quarter of 2025—an increase of 24.5% year-on-year. This milestone was reached 20 days earlier than in 2024, making the airport the second-busiest air gateway in China for international arrivals and departures this year.
Since the start of the year, the airport has launched or resumed six international routes, including flights to Kuala Lumpur, Surabaya, Ho Chi Minh City, and Almaty, bringing the total number of overseas destinations to over 90. The airport handled more than 28,000 international and regional flights in Q1—up 15.2% year-on-year—with weekly international flights surpassing 3,000. Meanwhile, cargo throughput surged by 47% to exceed 240,000 tonnes.
Authorities highlight a sharp rise in foreign visitor numbers, with 1.27 million international arrivals and departures recorded in Q1—up 45.7% from last year—accounting for 33.7% of total passenger traffic, the highest proportion among China's major airports. Notably, visa-free entry schemes have fueled this growth, with nearly 276,000 foreign travelers benefiting from unilateral or mutual visa exemptions. Countries such as Thailand and Malaysia have seen a particularly strong influx, with arrivals rising by 96.3% and 57.2%, respectively.
The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is bracing for another surge in traffic during the second quarter, driven by the upcoming Canton Fair and the May Day holiday.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
