Zhuhai Airport has marked a landmark occasion—its 30th anniversary—with the celebration of rapid transformation, growth in passenger traffic, and strategic developments powered by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). With over 13 million passengers handled in 2024, Zhuhai Airport stands as a beacon of domestic aviation success in China, thanks in large part to its two-decade-long collaboration with AAHK.
The anniversary event, attended by high-profile delegates including Vivian Cheung, CEO of AAHK, and Su Hu, Deputy Mayor of Zhuhai, signaled not just a commemoration of past achievements but also a roadmap for an ambitious and interconnected aviation future across the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
A Model Partnership with a Vision for Growth
The enduring partnership between AAHK and the Zhuhai Municipal People’s Government dates back to 2006, with the creation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Airport Management Company Limited, a joint venture focused on optimizing airport operations. Over nearly 20 years, this alliance has transformed Zhuhai Airport into one of the busiest domestic-only airports in Mainland China, ranking third in Guangdong Province.
Passenger numbers soared from 790,000 in 2006 to 13 million in 2024, a growth curve that underscores the success of this collaboration. Zhuhai Airport’s strategic location, just across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), and its efficient management practices have made it a model for airport development in China.
AAHK’s Deepened Commitment: 35% Stake in 2024
In a defining move in 2024, AAHK acquired a 35% stake in Zhuhai Airport, reinforcing its commitment to the airport’s long-term development. This deeper investment opens new doors for collaborative operational planning, infrastructure upgrades, and increased service offerings.
Vivian Cheung, in her remarks during the anniversary celebration, acknowledged the evolution of this partnership:
“The continued growth of Zhuhai Airport reflects the shared commitment between Hong Kong and Zhuhai. This increased stake allows AAHK to actively contribute to the region’s aviation future with greater synergy.”
Fly-Via-Zhuhai-HK: Bridging Cities with Seamless Travel
One of the most transformative services emerging from the partnership is the Fly-Via-Zhuhai-HK initiative, launched in December 2023. This “air-land-air” bonded transfer service enables passengers arriving at Zhuhai Airport from cities without international terminals to connect seamlessly to global flights through Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) via HZMB.
This service eliminates the need for passengers to go through customs and immigration multiple times, thanks to bonded buses that directly connect Zhuhai Airport’s terminals with HKIA’s restricted departure areas. It’s a game-changer for second- and third-tier Chinese cities looking to access international routes without requiring long domestic transfers.
Air-Land Fresh Lane: Innovating Cold Chain Logistics
Another pioneering project is the Air-Land Fresh Lane, introduced in April 2025. This dedicated logistics route allows perishable goods like live seafood and tropical fruits to enter the GBA via Zhuhai before reaching consumers across southern China. With streamlined customs clearance and cold-chain continuity, this innovation positions Zhuhai as a key hub for perishable cargo logistics in the region.
This initiative boosts not only aviation capacity but also cross-border trade and supports Hong Kong’s role as a logistics gateway for mainland China.
A Strategic Pillar in Greater Bay Area Connectivity
The Greater Bay Area, comprising Hong Kong, Macau, and nine Guangdong cities, is rapidly evolving into a global super-region. Zhuhai Airport’s role within this ecosystem continues to expand, serving both the growing population and business sectors.
Ongoing improvements in airport connectivity, operational digitization, and sustainable infrastructure will be essential to meet projected demand. Plans are in place to further expand Zhuhai Airport’s terminals, parking bays, and runway capacity—ensuring it remains resilient and responsive to growth in both passenger and cargo traffic.
Celebrating Achievements, Envisioning the Future
The 30th anniversary event in Zhuhai featured participation from:
- Vivian Cheung, CEO, AAHK
- Su Hu, Deputy Mayor, Zhuhai Municipal People’s Government
- Albert Yau, General Manager, Hong Kong-Zhuhai Airport Management Co. Ltd.
- Officials from Zhuhai Airport, Greater Bay Area logistics firms, and civil aviation partners
All attendees emphasized the partnership’s importance in shaping the future of aviation within the GBA. Key milestones—such as AAHK’s stake increase, bonded transfer services, and perishable cargo corridor—were highlighted as game-changers in Asia-Pacific airport collaboration.
A Global Model of Airport Cooperation
Zhuhai Airport now stands not only as a domestic success but as a global benchmark for collaborative airport management. With its emphasis on efficiency, connectivity, and innovation, the partnership between AAHK and Zhuhai Airport exemplifies how regional cooperation can redefine infrastructure performance.
Looking forward, the partners aim to scale up smart airport technologies, expand intermodal services, and deepen sustainability efforts. As aviation demand rebounds post-pandemic, their integrated model of cross-border management may be replicated elsewhere across China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Conclusion
As Zhuhai Airport celebrates 30 years of achievements, the renewed commitment from AAHK positions it for a future of even greater impact. Whether through smarter travel, streamlined cargo movement, or deeper cross-border partnerships, the airport is charting a course to become one of Mainland China’s most efficient and forward-thinking aviation hubs.
With its firm foothold in the Greater Bay Area’s economic transformation, Zhuhai Airport is well on its way to becoming a global gateway connecting China with the world.
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