Flights are about to land at Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

In the first half of 2025, Hangzhou International Airport overcame global trade challenges, achieving a 3.3 percent year-on-year growth in international cargo throughput — which exceeded 100,000 metric tons by June 10.

This performance led Zhejiang's total airport cargo throughput to 520,000 tons, up 2.6 percent, solidifying Hangzhou's role as a key hub for high-quality foreign trade in the Yangtze River Delta region.

Despite pressures such as tariffs and reduced flights to the United States, Hangzhou International Airport expanded its reach to Europe and Central Asia. It launched Zhejiang's first direct cargo route to Tashkent and opened new lines to Tokyo and Derby, supporting faster e-commerce delivery.

To improve efficiency, Hangzhou established its second overseas cargo station in Vancouver in March, after Budapest, enabling 13-hour delivery from Zhejiang to North America.

Looking ahead, the airport is deepening partnerships with top logistics providers, advancing infrastructure projects like the Hangzhou eHub, and boosting exports of high-value and perishable goods such as lychees and waxberries. With e-commerce cargo making up 70 percent of outbound shipments, collaboration with platforms like Shein is also underway. Officials expect international cargo volume to continue rising steadily through year-end.

Zhejiang's first direct cargo flight for Central Asia departs Hangzhou International Airport for Tashkent on July 2. [Photo/Zhejiang Airport Group]