Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-11-04 06:51Core Insights - The opening of Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's T3 terminal and the fifth runway marks a significant upgrade in the airport's capabilities, enhancing its status as a major aviation hub [1][8] - Shenzhen has been selected as the host city for the 2026 APEC meeting, presenting new development opportunities for Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport [2] - The three major airports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong) are engaged in both competition and collaboration to expand the regional aviation market [3][4] Airport Developments - Guangzhou Baiyun Airport achieved a record passenger volume of over 7.6 million in October 2025, reflecting an 11% year-on-year increase [8] - Hong Kong International Airport processed 44.7 million passengers in the first three quarters of the year, with a 14.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [4] - Shenzhen Airport reported a significant increase in passenger and cargo traffic during the recent holiday period, with 1.602 million passengers and 38,000 tons of cargo handled [4] Competitive Landscape - The three major airports are competing for air traffic while also working together to grow the overall aviation market in the Greater Bay Area [3][4] - Cathay Pacific and China Southern Airlines are the two main carriers competing for market share, with Cathay expanding its routes into China and Southern Airlines responding by increasing flights to Hong Kong [11][15] - Cathay Pacific's new direct flight from Hong Kong to Urumqi and increased flights to major cities in mainland China highlight its strategy to capture high-end travelers [12][14] Future Outlook - The Greater Bay Area is projected to see a total passenger throughput of over 200 million by 2024, indicating strong growth potential for the aviation sector [19] - The collaboration among the three airports aims to create a world-class airport cluster, enhancing the region's global aviation standing [20] - The competitive dynamics between Cathay Pacific and China Southern Airlines are expected to improve service quality and passenger experience, providing travelers with more options and better pricing [20]