HKIA Sees Continuous Growth in Air Traffic in February

The FINANCIAL — Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw continuous growth in all three air traffic categories in February.

During the month, cargo throughput rose by 7% year-on-year to 315,000 tonnes. Passenger volume rose by 6% to 5.82 million, while flight movements increased by 3.5% to 32,320 compared to the same month last year.

Combining the figures for the first two months of this year, which eliminates for the effect of Chinese New Year falling in a different month in 2017 for a more meaningful comparison, HKIA handled 725,000 tonnes of cargo, 11.9 million passenger trips, and 68,305 flight movements, representing growth of 8.6%, 2.3% and 2.6%, respectively, over the same period last year, according to Hong Kong International Airport.

The combined growth of passenger volume was driven by 5% year-on-year growth in visitor traffic. During the period, traffic to and from Mainland China and Japan recorded the most significant increases.

The overall growth of cargo throughput for the first two months was mainly attributed to a 12% year-on-year increase in exports. Transshipments also recorded growth of 7%. Among the key trading regions, cargo throughput to and from Europe and North America showed the most significant increases.

Steven Yiu, Acting Deputy Director, Service Delivery of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “In order to cope with the expected surge in travel over the Easter holidays, a total of 70 extra flights will be arranged from 27 March to 9 April. Popular destinations include Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo. The airport community will work closely together to ensure efficient airport operations during the festive period. HKIA has also prepared several performances in the terminal to celebrate the season with passengers, featuring singing and dance shows as well as busking from students and alumni of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ Extension and the busker of Continuing Education for Life and Hong Kong Art Centre.”

On a rolling 12-month basis, HKIA handled 5 million tonnes of cargo, recording year-on-year increases of 9.3%. Meanwhile, passenger throughput and flight movements also increased by 3.6% to 73.1 million and 3% to 422,395, respectively.