Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport Joins Elite Club with 1 Million Tonne

December 22, 2025 at 09:34 AM•3 min read

Civil Aviation Administration of China data confirms Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is China's newest 1M-tonne cargo hub, bolstering the 'Air

Key Points

1Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport surpassed 1 million tonnes of annual cargo throughput on December 21, 2025.
2The airport joins an elite group of only four other major Chinese civil airports to achieve this milestone by 2024, according to CAAC data.
3The success is attributed to the strategic 'Air Silk Road' initiative and the **Zhengzhou-Luxembourg dual-hub model**.
4Operator Zhongyu Aviation Group plans to replicate the dual-hub model with partners in Malaysia, Ethiopia, and Hungary.

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) has reached a major milestone in air freight operations. The central China hub achieved one million tonnes of annual cargo and mail throughput on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This landmark was reached following the arrival of an all-cargo aircraft operated by Malaysia's Raya Airways. The airport, located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, now formally enters the global "1-Million-Tonne Club" for air cargo.

This achievement signals strong development momentum. The airport aims to build itself into a leading global air cargo hub along the strategic "Air Silk Road".

New Entry to China’s Cargo Elite

The milestone places Zhengzhou among China’s top cargo facilities. Data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) highlights this significance. By 2024, only four other Chinese civil airports had reported annual cargo and mail throughput over one million tonnes. These established hubs include Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, and Beijing Capital.

Zhengzhou’s growth has been robust in recent years. Between 2021 and 2025, cargo and mail throughput saw an average annual growth rate of about 10 percent. The airport handled 825,000 tonnes in 2024. It currently operates 70 all-cargo routes. These routes link Zhengzhou with 73 cities across 32 countries.

The Dual-Hub Strategy and Global Impact

This success is driven by a unique strategic model. Henan Province has actively developed the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg air cargo route. This is a dual-hub model designed to extend the airport’s global reach. The model involves a partnership between the airport's operator and Cargolux, the flag carrier cargo airline of Luxembourg.

Dual-Hub Model: It establishes a logistics center in Zhengzhou for Asia-Pacific and one in Luxembourg for Europe.
Strategic Expansion: The model is now being replicated with other partners.

Zhang Mingchao, chairman of Zhongyu Aviation Group, confirmed this expansion plan. The group operates the Zhengzhou airport. He stated the airport will deepen air logistics cooperation with key countries. Target countries include Malaysia, Ethiopia, and Hungary. The goal is to attract more airlines and open new routes.

Outlook for Commercial Aviation News

The rapid ascent of Zhengzhou highlights a shift in global air freight. Central China is becoming a critical logistics node. This development offers new opportunities for international carriers and logistics firms. The focus on the Air Silk Road directly supports China's broader trade initiatives.

Stakeholders should note the increased capacity for cross-border e-commerce and cold-chain cargo. The airport’s expansion is a key piece of commercial aviation news and the global supply chain puzzle. It provides a more efficient inland gateway for high-value, time-sensitive shipments. The replication of the successful Zhengzhou-Luxembourg dual-hub model is an important trend to watch.