Hangzhou Airport set to rejoin the ranks of world's busiest airports

As of Dec 11, Zhejiang province's airports have achieved a record-breaking yearly passenger throughput of 70.24 million. According to current data projections, Hangzhou International Airport's passenger throughput is expected to exceed 40 million by the end of this year, propelling it back into the ranks of the world's busiest airports.

Leveraging the opportunities brought about by the Asian Games, Hangzhou Airport opened the first fifth freedom passenger route in Zhejiang province this year, and its annual inbound and outbound passenger throughput reached 2.21 million as of November.

"The airport is not only a landmark building in Hangzhou but also the city's window to the world," said a director at the airport. "In the post-Asian Games era, we will continue to make the most of the Games, focusing on enhancing its international hub capabilities."

The number of international and regional flights has increased from 54 flights per week at the beginning of the year to 216 flights per week. The number of flights outside Asia has reached nearly five times that of the beginning of the year.

The airport's cargo business has also continued to increase this year. Statistics show that the cumulative cargo and mail throughput from January to November reached 315,100 metric tons, a year-on-year increase of 15.47 percent, making it one of only three airports among China's top 10 airports to register positive growth in cargo throughput.

"As the provincial capital, with manufacturing clients worldwide and cross-border e-commerce serving the global market, Hangzhou's aviation logistics has broad development prospects," said a director at the airport.