As the pulse of the global economy synchronizes with the takeoffs and landings of cargo flights, a pressing question emerges: What forces are driving the resurgence of air logistics after a period of strain? The latest data from China's top 30 airports in Week 20 of 2025 (May 12-18) may hold the answers.
I. Market Overview: Trade Recovery Fuels Cargo Boom
China's air cargo sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, with the top 30 airports (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) handling a combined 8,298 weekly flights—a 12.26% surge (906 flights) compared to the previous week. This growth, attributed to easing U.S.-China trade tensions, marks 14 consecutive weeks of year-over-year expansion (+6.58% vs. 2024). While still 64 flights shy of pre-holiday Week 17 levels, the recovery trajectory signals robust market potential.
II. Airport Rankings: Shifting Dynamics in Competitive Landscape
Twenty-eight airports posted weekly gains, with Shanghai Pudong, Ezhou Huahu, and Hong Kong leading at +100 flights each. Notably:
- Hong Kong (1,581 flights) and Shanghai Pudong (939) maintained their top positions
- Ezhou Huahu (+123 flights) overtook Shenzhen Bao'an to claim third place (778 flights)
- Guangzhou Baiyun (599) and Taipei Taoyuan (521) rounded out the top six
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng surpassed Nanjing Lukou for seventh place (375 vs. 362 flights)
Smaller declines were observed at Nanning Wuxu and Jinan Yaoqiang, highlighting regional disparities.
III. Tiered Analysis: Leaders, Challengers, and Emerging Players
1. Elite Tier (500+ weekly flights)
| Airport | Flights | Weekly Change | Rank Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 1,581 | +106 | – |
| Shanghai Pudong | 939 | +127 | – |
| Ezhou Huahu | 778 | +123 | ↑1 |
| Shenzhen Bao'an | 737 | +63 | ↓1 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | 599 | +65 | – |
| Taipei Taoyuan | 521 | +15 | – |
2. Middle Tier (100-499 flights)
| Airport | Flights | Weekly Change | Rank Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhengzhou Xinzheng | 375 | +56 | ↑1 |
| Nanjing Lukou | 362 | +4 | ↓1 |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan | 333 | +73 | – |
| Beijing Capital | 259 | +34 | ↑1 |
3. Growth Tier (<100 flights)
Notable performers included Chongqing Jiangbei (+20 flights, ↑3 ranks) and Ningbo Lishe (+17 flights, ↑4 ranks), while Jinan Yaoqiang (-1 flight) faced challenges.
IV. Outlook: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges
The data reveals a recovering market bolstered by improved trade relations, though competitive pressures persist. Airports must enhance operational efficiency and adapt to evolving demand patterns to sustain growth. While regional disparities exist, China's air cargo sector demonstrates strong fundamentals for long-term expansion.
This snapshot of Week 20's performance reflects both the dynamism of China's logistics infrastructure and the complex interplay of global economic forces shaping air freight demand.