Core Viewpoint - The competition among the three major hub airports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is intensifying, with significant developments in runway construction, terminal upgrades, and route expansion, positioning the region as a leading international aviation hub [4][6][12]. Runway Competition - The number and scale of runways directly determine the takeoff and landing capacity and cargo throughput of airports. The GBA airports are rapidly expanding their runway infrastructure, with Hong Kong International Airport's third runway system set to be operational by November 2024, increasing its annual passenger capacity to 120 million and cargo capacity to 10 million tons [6][8]. - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has successfully tested its fifth runway, making it the first airport in the GBA and the second in China to have five runways, with a planned annual passenger throughput of 120 million and cargo throughput of 3.8 million tons [6][10]. - Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport's third runway is expected to be completed by 2025, aiming for an annual passenger throughput of 80 million and cargo throughput of 2.6 million tons [7][8]. Terminal and Facility Upgrades - The GBA airports are also upgrading their terminals and supporting facilities. Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's expansion will include two terminal areas, while Shenzhen Airport plans to complete T1 and T2 terminals by 2027 [10][11]. - Hong Kong Airport is expanding its Terminal 2 and enhancing its passenger transport systems [11]. Route Expansion - The competition extends to route networks, with Shenzhen Airport actively expanding its international and domestic routes. As of mid-2023, it has nearly 130 domestic and around 50 international routes, marking a significant increase [13]. - Guangzhou Baiyun Airport covers over 230 domestic and international destinations, with more than 1,800 international flights weekly [13]. - Hong Kong Airport connects over 220 destinations globally, with a strong focus on enhancing its domestic route network [14]. Passenger Source Competition - The GBA airports are competing for passenger sources by establishing city check-in counters in each other's territories. Shenzhen Airport has set up city check-in services in various locations in Hong Kong, attracting local residents to fly from Shenzhen [16]. - Hong Kong Airport has also established around 30 city check-in counters in the GBA, allowing passengers to check in and drop off luggage in mainland cities before traveling to the airport [16]. Collaborative Development - The GBA is home to multiple airports, and experts suggest that the region can support several international aviation hubs. The healthy competition among Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong airports is expected to lower travel and logistics costs and enhance connectivity [20][21]. - The GBA's development plan emphasizes the construction of a world-class airport cluster, with a focus on collaborative development and coordination among the airports [21][23].
大湾区机场竞争白热化