In the first quarter of 2026, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport recorded a passenger throughput of 22.54 million, a year-on-year increase of 13%, ranking first in China. This figure reflects the long-term accumulation of Guangdong as China's largest manufacturing province and the forefront of reform and opening-up; it is also a concentrated manifestation of the continuous aggregation of factors and the ongoing release of economic vitality in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

With the full commencement of operations at Terminal 3 (T3), Baiyun Airport has entered a new era of "five runways and three terminals," significantly enhancing its transport capacity. As a state-designated, comprehensive international aviation hub and gateway, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport saw its passenger throughput reach 83.58 million in 2025, further strengthening its hub status.

Hardware is merely the foundation; the real driver of traffic is the irreplaceability of Guangdong as a global manufacturing powerhouse. From electronic products to new energy vehicles (NEVs), and from drones to home appliances, Guangdong is virtually a mandatory stop for international buyers visiting China. The high-frequency convergence of people, logistics, and order flows at the airport represents a seamless integration between the aviation hub and the real economy.

From the sails of the ancient Maritime Silk Road to the airline networks of today's aviation hubs, Guangdong's open and inclusive commercial DNA has remained consistent throughout history. As the "Guangdong Goods Global Reach" initiative continues to deepen, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is evolving into a premier destination for both consumption and Guangdong Goods. The goal is to make the airport a new consumption landmark that is "a must-visit upon arrival and a must-shop before departure," thereby contributing to China's "dual circulation" development strategy and the high-quality development of Guangdong through its hub role.

全国第一，为什么是广东？——从白云机场客流增长看区域经济发展活力

2026年第一季度，广州白云国际机场旅客吞吐量达2254万人次，同比增长13%，居全国首位。这一数据所折射的，是广东作为中国制造业第一大省、改革开放前沿阵地长期积累的结果，也是粤港澳大湾区要素持续集聚、经济活力不断释放的集中体现。

随着T3航站楼的全面启用，白云机场迈入“五条跑道+三座航站楼”的新时代，运力大幅提升。作为国家定位的全方位门户复合型国际航空枢纽，白云机场旅客吞吐量2025年实现8358万人次，枢纽能级持续增强。

硬件只是基础，真正驱动流量的，是广东作为全球制造业重镇的不可替代性。从电子产品到新能源汽车、从无人机到家电，国际采购商来华，广东几乎是必选项。人流、物流、订单流在白云机场高频交汇，航空枢纽与实体经济深度咬合。

从古代海上丝绸之路的帆影，到今日空港枢纽的航线网络，广东开放包容的商贸基因一脉相承。随着“广货行天下”行动持续深化，白云机场将持续打造“消费机场”“广货机场”，争取让机场成为“来粤必逛、离粤必购”的消费新地标，在服务国家双循环发展战略、推动广东高质量发展的进程中贡献枢纽力量。

文｜羊城晚报经济评论员 詹淑真
图｜白云机场资料图
翻译｜ 徐芷晴
审校｜ 曾敏