ACI APAC & MID advocates for investments in airport infrastructure in China to support future aviation growth

China’s airport infrastructure development continues to play a vital role in meeting the surging demand for air travel. In 2024, China's civil aviation airport industry maintained a steady growth trajectory, with the number of airports reaching 247, forming a robust network centered on major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The total passenger throughput across Chinese airports reached 1.02 billion, up 5.8% year-on-year, while air cargo throughput climbed to 15 million tonnes, an increase of 4.5% from 2023. These are indicators of China’s continued progress towards strengthening its position as an aviation powerhouse. 

According to Airports Council International’s estimates, China’s passenger traffic is projected to grow rapidly at an average 3.8% annually over the next three decades, contributing nearly 20% to the additional growth in global passenger traffic by 2053. This represents an additional 2.62 billion additional passengers, highlighting the need for sustained investment in capacity expansion through modernisation and building new infrastructure as well as adoption of smart technologies. 

China has always placed heavy emphasis on high-quality infrastructure development, innovation and technological advancements, and multi-modal transportation integration. 

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) was honored to be invited to share its perspectives at the 13th International Smart Airport Development Forum 2025 (the Forum) that took place in Shanghai, China, between 16 to 17 October 2025. The Forum had around 250 delegates from airports, airlines, research institutes, software and hardware suppliers and manufacturers, and was hosted by the Shanghai Society of Aeronautics, with the support from Shanghai Airport Authority, Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and other esteemed aviation entities in China.

Our Senior Manager, Economics, Mr. Philip Kwok delivered a presentation on the traffic growth trends in the Asia-Pacific & Middle East regions and the urgent need for infrastructure development and capacity enhancements. Mr. Kwok highlighted the urgency for strategic master planning for the next wave of growth, ensuring our airports are competitive in an ever-evolving industry landscape and deliver services that meet the expectations of our passengers.

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ACI APAC & MID continues to lead the way in advocating for establishing economic and financing frameworks that incentivise and facilitate airport infrastructure development in an economically sustainable manner that involves consultation with industry stakeholders.