HKIA sees decline in cargo volume in January

Feb 18, 2019: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has handled 6.5 million passengers, representing year-on-year growth of 6 percent, while cargo throughput dropped 4.2 percent to 401,000 tonnes.

According to the airport authority, the passenger growth was due to an 8 percent rise in transfer/transit traffic and a 7 percent increase in visitor traffic. Passenger traffic to and from mainland China and Japan recorded the most significant increases. Hong Kong resident travel also grew by 2 percent during the month.

On the other hand, cargo numbers were affected due to uncertain global economic conditions. Imports and transshipments were impacted the most, registering 8 percent and 6 percent year-on-year drops, respectively. Amongst key trading regions, cargo traffic to and from Europe and Southeast Asia decreased most significantly during the month.

Steven Yiu, Deputy Director, Service Delivery, Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "After seeing continued growth in passenger numbers in January, HKIA also experienced a busy Chinese New Year peak travel season. Between 5 February and 11 February, airlines scheduled more than 180 additional flights and served an average of 217,000 daily passengers. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the airport community, operations went smoothly during the period."

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume and flight movements grew by 3.1 percent and 1.6 percent to 75 million and 428,265, respectively, while cargo throughput recorded 5.1 million tonnes, rising 0.4 percent year on year.

Also read: HKIA sees steady traffic growth in January