Hong Kong remains on top of busiest cargo airports worldwide

Airports Council International (ACI) World has today unveiled the preliminary top 10 busiest airports worldwide for 2023 with Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) remaining in top rank followed by Memphis International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Anchorage Airport ranks 4th and is followed by Incheon International Airport in 5th.

HKIA handled 4,331,976 (4.3 million) tonnes of cargo in 2023, an increase of 3.2 percent YoY while down by 9.9 percent compared to 2019.

"Air cargo volumes are estimated to have decreased by 3.1 percent year-over-year (-4.6 percent versus 2019), to close to 113 million metric tonnes in 2023. Air cargo volumes in the top 10—representing around 26 percent (29.6 million metric tonnes) of the global volumes in 2023—lost 3.5 percent in 2023 year-over-year. The decline can be attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains," it reads.

ACI World director general Luis Felipe de Oliveira said, “Notably, cargo continues to play a key role in world commerce despite the year-over-year decrease. Hong Kong International Airport has maintained the top position, followed by Memphis International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Doha International Airport rejoins the top 10, jumping to number 8 with a growth of 6.3% over 2019.

“The rankings highlight the crucial role these transportation hubs play in global connectivity, commerce, and economic development. Airports continue to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel. ACI World remains dedicated to advocating for airports worldwide throughout pivotal stages of policy formulation and to advancing the pursuit of airport excellence.”

Airport rankings are based on data gathered from over 2,600 airports across more than 180 countries and territories globally. This vast dataset places ACI World in a distinctive position as the foremost authority on airport travel demand, ensuring the utmost accuracy and reliability in its rankings.

In a separate release, Hong Kong Airport noted, "In response to the rapid rise of e-commerce, an array of developments are progressing full steam at HKIA to capture the tremendous opportunities. In 2023, HKIA saw the completion of the Cainiao Smart Gateway, developed by Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, and the expansion of DHL’s Central Asia Hub which increases its capacity by 50%. Meanwhile, United Parcel Service has announced their plan to establish a new hub facility at HKIA."

Jack So, chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, “We are proud to have claimed once again the top spot for air cargo throughput. This accomplishment demonstrates HKIA’s resilience, unparalleled efficiency and world-class cargo services. Air cargo is a key driver of the growth of Hong Kong’s logistics industry and overall economic development. AAHK shall continue to work tirelessly with our air cargo community to further strengthen HKIA’s competitiveness as a global cargo hub.”

Last month, Hong Kong International Airport and Cathay Cargo hosted the IATA World Cargo Symposium which saw record attendance of air cargo professionals across the world.

While congratulating Hong Kong Airport, Cathay’s director cargo Tom Owen said, “Hong Kong once again being named number one in the world for air cargo is a testament to the resilience, innovation and collaboration of the Hong Kong air cargo community. With its world-leading infrastructure, expertise and capabilities, supported by the increased development of intermodal connectivity within the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong continues to be at the forefront of the global air cargo industry.

“Cathay’s ongoing investments in our passenger and freighter fleets, our extensive cargo network, cargo facilities, and our digital and sustainability capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo customers, are a reflection of our deep confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong air cargo logistics hub. We certainly don’t take Hong Kong’s air cargo success for granted, and remain committed to continuing to work together with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong, all sectors in the air cargo industry, and countless other important stakeholders to continue to grow Hong Kong further as the world’s leading air cargo hub, and the premier air cargo gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world.”

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal (Hactl) chief executive Wilson Kwong said, “As an industry leader in Hong Kong’s air cargo industry, Hactl is very pleased that Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is once again named the world’s busiest cargo airport. This achievement is also a testament to the commitment of the HKSAR Government in offering consistent policy support to the industry and a recognition of the resilience and strength of the local air cargo sector and its operators. We strongly believe that Airport Authority Hong Kong’s on-going investments in upgrading HKIA’s air cargo handling infrastructure will continue to sharpen our airport’s competitive edge compared to other international and regional airports. To support the growth of Hong Kong’s air cargo industry, Hactl will keep doing its part by investing in state-of-the-art technology, including robotics, automation and artificial intelligence, to enhance its business and develop innovative solutions that anticipate the needs of customers.”

Among passenger airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport holds onto the top rank and is followed by Dubai International Airport for the first time, surpassing Dallas Forth Worth International Airport in the third position.

In terms of aircraft movements, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top, followed by Chicago O'Hare Airport in second, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in third.