According to the 2026 Megahubs report released by aviation data firm OAG, Chinese airports have significantly improved their standing in global connectivity rankings. The report indicates that this shift is primarily driven by domestic carriers aggressively expanding their international flight networks.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport recorded the most notable progress, climbing from 36th place last year to 19th in the current rankings. This jump represents the largest improvement among all airports surveyed by OAG. The report suggests that the increase in connectivity is a direct result of airlines adding more international routes, which allows for better integration into the global aviation system. While the report focuses on the growth of these hubs, it does not detail the specific economic factors or government policies that may have incentivized this rapid expansion of international flight capacity.