Phenomenal growth continues at Zhuhai Airport

Zhuhai Airport announced on June 28 that the number of passengers is estimated to hit 4.35 million and cargos to reach 175,600 tons in the first half of this year, an increase of 60 percent and 33 percent respectively. Meanwhile, the total number of takeoffs and landings has risen by 46 percent to 33,576.

Comprehensive improvements continued to be made during the six months. They cover route networks, handling capacity, feeder transport service, facility upgrades, and security services. With six airlines and 57 flights added, Zhuhai Airport now has 28 operating airlines, 49 flight destinations, and 200+ average daily flights, covering nearly half of the cities with three flights daily -- all setting records.

Zhuhai Airport passenger numbers up 60 percent [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Airport WeChat]

The airport also saw an increase of 4 to 5 percentage points in average attendance. It is estimated that this year's passenger throughput is to exceed 8.5 million to 9 million.

The number is achievable and breakable with opportunities to be brought with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. By then, Zhuhai and Hong Kong will cooperate in passenger and cargo transport, and corporate jet services.

To meet increasing demand, the airport is upgrading facilities and increasing the number of self-service kiosks to 40. A fast-track lane has been set aside to provide greater convenience to travelers to improve security checks.

The airport is also accelerating renovation of its east airside concourse and endeavoring to open it before National Day on Oct 1. The upgrade will lift handling capacity to 12 million passengers per year by then.