A distributed database system can include a plurality of nodes. In order to execute a query at the distributed database system, one or more of the plurality of nodes can perform operations included in an execution plan for the query. A first node of the plurality of nodes can group the plurality of nodes into at least a first cluster. The first node can further select a second node to act as a gateway node for the first cluster. The first node can determine that at least one recipient node of a message is included in the first cluster and route the message to the recipient node by at least sending the message to the second node. Related methods and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.