Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) continues to enjoy a strong resurgence, with passenger and cargo traffic reaching new heights in August 2024.
The airport has seen another post-pandemic high with monthly passenger traffic. All passenger segments, including Hong Kong residents and visitors and transfer/ transit passengers, saw significant growth compared to the same month last year.
HKIA August Performance
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced that the airport handled approximately 4.92 million passengers during the month, a substantial 23% increase compared to the same period last year.
Cargo throughput also saw robust growth, up 10.6% to 406,000 tonnes. Flight movements increased by 26.1% to 31,605, reflecting the growing demand for air travel.
The surge in passenger traffic was particularly evident on peak days, with daily passenger counts exceeding 170,000. On August 18, HKIA set a new post-pandemic record, handling 174,600 passengers.
All passenger segments, including Hong Kong residents, visitors, and transfer/transit passengers, contributed to this significant growth. Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and Japan emerged as the top destinations for travelers.
Cargo throughput maintained its consistent double-digit year-on-year growth, driven primarily by export traffic, which increased by 14.6%. Key trading regions, including Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, witnessed the most significant uptick in cargo traffic.
HKIA Year to Date Progress
For the first eight months of the year, passenger volume reached 34.9 million, while flight movements increased to 237,435.
Both figures represent substantial growth of 43.5% and 41.4%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. Cargo traffic also experienced a notable annual increase of 16.5% to about 3.2 million tonnes.
On a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA’s passenger volume surged by a remarkable 77.1% year-on-year to approximately 50.1 million. Flight movements increased by 56.0% to 345,615. Cargo throughput also reported a growth of 15.9% to about 4.8 million tonnes.
Two New Carriers & New Destinations
To further enhance its connectivity, HKIA welcomed two new passenger airlines, Indonesia AirAsia and Thai Lion Air. Commencing operations in October, these airlines will operate new routes connecting Indonesia and Thailand, respectively.
Additionally, the airport will add two new destinations for passengers: Koror in Palau and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. These expansions will further strengthen HKIA’s extensive air network.
Conclusion
Overall, Hong Kong International Airport’s strong performance in August 2024 highlights its resilience and ability to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The airport’s continued growth is a testament to its strategic initiatives and commitment to providing exceptional services to passengers and cargo customers.
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