China's Extensive Aviation Network: Airports Count And Their Reach

China has a vast network of airports, with over 200 airports across the country serving both international and domestic destinations. The exact number of airports varies depending on the source and the type of airport being considered. As of December 2017, there were 229 commercial airports in China. However, a source from 2024 lists the number of civil airports in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, as 254. Another source from 2024 mentions more than 200 airports, while yet another source mentions more than 250 certified civil airports and over 100 certified general airports as of 2023.

China has over 200 airports, including international, domestic, regional, and military airports

International airports in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou connect China to the global aviation network. These hubs are equipped with customs and immigration facilities, serving as gateways to the country. Domestic airports, on the other hand, facilitate travel within China, ensuring connectivity between various regions.

Regional airports, often located in smaller cities and towns, play a vital role in connecting remote areas to these major hubs, fostering economic activities across the country. Additionally, some airports are designated for military purposes, serving as bases for the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

As of 2022, there were 254 civil airports in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. This number has been steadily growing over the past two decades, reflecting the country's economic prosperity and increasing wealth within Chinese society. The transportation of goods and services, as well as passenger travel to and from China, has significantly increased, contributing to the booming commercial aviation sector.

The busiest airport in China is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. Other notable international airports include Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

China's civil aviation industry is governed primarily by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which has been working to nationalize the country's airlines and improve operating efficiencies. The CAAC is also focusing on expanding the number of smaller, single-aisle aircraft while phasing out additional wide-body, twin-aisle aircraft.

In addition to international and domestic airports, China also has a network of general aviation airports that support private and recreational flying activities. These airports cater to non-commercial and small aircraft operations.

The busiest airport in China is Beijing Capital International Airport

China has over 200 airports, including more than 250 civil airports, and is served by a number of international and domestic airlines. Beijing Capital International Airport is one of two international airports serving the Beijing region of China and is the busiest airport in the country.

Beijing Capital International Airport opened in 1980 and is located 32 km north of Beijing. It is the only airport in the world outside of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport capable of handling more than 100 million passengers per year. It is served by numerous airlines, including Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines, and is considered a gateway to China's interior. The airport has been ranked as the busiest airport in Asia and the second busiest in the world in terms of passenger traffic.

The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3, built in 2007, considered an architectural masterpiece. The huge steel and glass structure is the largest building in the world with over a million square meters of window area. Beijing Capital International Airport is known for its efficient handling services and plays a key role in international passenger traffic. It is a major hub for flights to major cities worldwide and is well-connected to ground transportation, making it a convenient gateway to China for travellers.

The second busiest airport in China is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

China has over 200 airports, including the second busiest airport in the country, the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Located in the Baiyun district of Guangzhou, the airport is about 28 kilometres from downtown Guangzhou and serves the province of Guangzhou in Southern China.

The airport was initially opened to the public in 1932 but was closed in 2004 as it was incapable of handling a large number of passengers. In 2004, a new airport with the same name but with more facilities was opened. The airport is often referred to as "New Baiyun".

In 2019, the airport was ranked the 11th busiest airport in the world. In 2020, due to the outbreak of the pandemic, the airport became the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic.

The airport is a hub for China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Jiuyuan Airlines, and cargo carrier Longhao Airlines.

The Shanghai-listed Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Company is the operator of the airport. The operations of the newly constructed second terminal at the airport were started in April 2018.

The Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is a major airport in West China

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is a major airport in West China, located about 16 kilometres from downtown Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in Southwestern China. It is one of the oldest airports in China, having been built in 1938 and expanded eight times since. Chengdu Shuangliu Airport is an important aviation hub for Western China, serving as a core hub for Air China, alongside Beijing Capital International Airport. It is also the principal hub and headquarters for Sichuan Airlines and Chengdu Airlines.

The airport was formerly named Shuangguisi Airport and initially opened as a military airfield during World War II. It was used by the US Army Air Forces 14th Air Force following the Pearl Harbour attack, and was known as the Shwangliu Airfield.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has undergone significant expansion, with additional terminals and runways to accommodate increased passenger traffic. It has been recognised as one of the busiest airports in the world and is a hub for several airlines, including IndiGo, the largest airline in India. The airport offers flights to over 50 international destinations and more than 170 domestic airports.

The airport is well-connected to downtown Chengdu by the Airport Expressway, the Chengdu–Mianyang–Leshan intercity railway, and the Chengdu Metro line 10, which has stations in both terminals.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China governs most of the airports in China

China has over 200 airports, serving both international and domestic destinations. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) governs most of these airports. The CAAC is the national aviation authority of the People's Republic of China and has regulatory responsibility for Chinese civil aviation's flight safety and ground safety.

The CAAC was founded in 1949, shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China, to manage all non-military aviation in the country. It is headquartered in Dongcheng, Beijing, and has regional administration agencies in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Ürümqi. The CAAC is responsible for concluding civil aviation agreements, both domestically and with other aviation authorities internationally.

The CAAC's responsibilities include conducting certification, supervision, and inspection of civil aviation operators, airman training organizations, civil aeronautical products, and maintenance service providers. They regulate the transportation of dangerous goods by air and oversee the safe operation of civil airports. Additionally, the CAAC provides oversight and management of flight procedures and minimum operations standards for airports, as well as civil airmen qualifications.

The CAAC also plays a role in developing industry development strategies and mid- to long-term plans for civil aviation. They conduct air traffic management, including airspace planning and establishing and maintaining air routes. The CAAC regulates civil aviation security and develops standards for civil aircraft accident investigations, which they conduct as required.

Overall, the CAAC's governance of China's airports helps ensure the safe and efficient operation of civil aviation in the country.

Frequently asked questions