How Chengdu's 90 Million Passenger Milestone Signals China's Aviation Rebound.

January 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM•3 min read

Chengdu International Aviation Hub reached 90 million passenger throughput in 2025, underscoring the strong recovery and growth of China's domestic air travel market.

Key Points

1Chengdu International Aviation Hub's passenger throughput exceeded 90 million in 2025, according to reports.
2The milestone confirms the strong recovery and growth of China's domestic air travel market, driven by its dual-airport system.
3High passenger volumes in Chengdu signal strong demand for new aircraft and further infrastructure investment across China.

The Chengdu International Aviation Hub achieved a major operational milestone at the close of 2025. According to reports from China News.Net, the hub's annual passenger throughput exceeded 90 million people. This figure includes traffic from both Chengdu Shuangliu and the newer Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).

This significant achievement highlights the robust recovery of the Chinese aviation market. It positions Chengdu as a critical hub for air travel in the western part of the country. The milestone was reached as other major cities, including Beijing, also saw high travel volumes for the New Year period.

Operational Milestone and Market Impact

The 90 million figure for the Chengdu International Aviation Hub marks a substantial increase in air traffic. It demonstrates the strong domestic demand for air travel across China. The country's civil aviation sector is quickly returning to pre-pandemic levels, and in some areas, exceeding them.

Chengdu's success is largely due to its dual-airport system. The older Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and the new TFU work together. This structure allows the city to manage high volumes of both domestic and international flights. This dual-hub strategy is key to managing Asia-Pacific air traffic growth.

Significance for Global Aviation

Industry observers, including the IATA, closely watch China's air traffic data. The country's performance is a major indicator for the entire global aviation industry. Strong numbers from hubs like Chengdu boost confidence in the sector's long-term outlook.

Increased Capacity: The high throughput justifies further investment in airport infrastructure and airline fleet expansion.
Route Development: It encourages airlines to launch new domestic and international routes into Sichuan province.
Economic Driver: The aviation growth supports local and regional economies through tourism and business travel.

China Civil Aviation Growth Trajectory

The China civil aviation growth story is a major theme for the industry in 2026. The high passenger numbers reflect a commitment to travel and connectivity. This trend is vital for manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, who supply aircraft to Chinese carriers. The demand for new, efficient aircraft remains high to service this growing passenger base.

This operational success sets a high bar for other major Chinese aviation centers. It confirms the country's status as a powerhouse in commercial aviation news. The continued expansion of the Chinese aviation market will be a key factor in global air travel trends for the coming decade. The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum and expanding international connectivity from hubs like Chengdu.