Passenger throughput surpasses post-pandemic record on peak day in July
(Hong Kong, 24 July 2024, 1200hrs) – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) today released the air traffic statistics for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for June 2024. During the month, HKIA handled 4.3 million passengers, representing a 29.1% growth, while flight movements saw a 32.3% increase to 29,590 compared to June 2023.
Passenger traffic maintained a steady recovery in June. All passenger segments including Hong Kong residents and visitors, as well as transfer/transit passengers, experienced significant growth compared to the same month last year. Traffic to and from Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and Japan recorded the most significant increases in the month.
Cargo throughput also maintained its rising momentum and recorded a double-digit year-on-year growth for six consecutive months in the first half of 2024. Export cargo remained the main driver of the growth, increased by 24.9% compared to the same month last year. Among key trading regions, cargo traffic to and from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia increased most significantly during the month.
Over the first half of the year, passenger volume recorded an increase of 52.8% to 25.3 million, while flight movements experienced a 47.1% growth to 174,745, compared with the same period in 2023. Cargo traffic reported a year-on-year increase of 17.9% to 2.4 million tonnes.
On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume rose significantly for 125.9% year on year to 48.2 million, while flight movements saw almost 69.9% growth to 332,040. Cargo throughput reported a 14.8% increase to 4.7 million tonnes.
On 21 July, passenger traffic at HKIA saw a new height after the pandemic, recording a daily throughput of over 171,000. The growth in passenger volume is expected to continue during the Summer peak. AAHK is confident that the passenger traffic at HKIA on peak days will fully recover to the pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, HKIA was once again named “Best Global Airport” at the 2024 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards by Asia Cargo News. This is the ninth consecutive year for HKIA to win the award. The AFLAS Awards recognise leading service providers including air and shipping lines, airports and seaports, logistics and other associated industry professionals. Winners were nominated and voted by readers and industry professionals.
Cissy Chan, Executive Director, Commercial of AAHK, said, “We are honoured to be named the Best Global Airport for nine consecutive years. As the world’s busiest cargo airport and the international cargo gateway for the Greater Bay Area, we have been enhancing our cargo services and capabilities by leveraging the extensive air network and the state-of-the-art cargo facilities at HKIA. We will continue to provide unparalleled cargo service, and reinforce our role as the leading cargo airport in the world.”