Market Intelligence
Aviation China

CHINA AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT MARKET

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), in 2021, China’s air traffic passenger, cargo, and mail transportation volume increased year-on-year by 7.3%, 5.5% and 8.2%, respectively.  In 2021, the Chengdu Tianfu Airport and Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport became operational, bringing the total number of certified airports nationwide to 248.  By 2025, China is expected to have more than 270 civilian airports. 

According to CAAC, China’s 32 large and busy airports are suffering from capacity overload and 40 of China’s 50 largest airports need to be renovated or expanded.  China’s 14th Five-year plan includes 140 airport projects, involving greenfield construction, relocation, renovation, and expansion. Best prospects for export opportunities for the airport sector include developing new airports (including general aviation airports), expanding capacity of exciting airports, enhancing efficiency and security of airports, developing, and expanding international air cargo capacity, developing hub infrastructure, and developing smart and green airports. 

Airport Development Highlights in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan include:

  • Optimizing hub airport design and operation, including nine international hubs and 26 regional hubs.
  • Integrating air and ground operation to enhance runway and taxiway operations. Enhancing and expanding bridge boarding gate utilization rate. 
  • Enhancing airport capacity by optimizing operational procedures, specially by improving ground operation procedures and application of new technology.  
  • Optimizing standards for multi-runway airport operations.
  • Encouraging airports, air traffic control centers (ATCs), and airlines to strengthen their coordination on aircraft noise management by optimizing departure and arrival procedures and the introduction of noise management technologies. Pilot noise management projects are expected to be launched in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou airports.  
  • Promoting the use of electric vehicles for airport operations. 


For more information, please contact  aiqun.peng@trade.gov.