Hong Kong Airport Reports November Traffic; Launches Free Flight Delay Insurance

(13 Dec 2021)  Cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in November increased by 10.1% year-on-year to 478,000 tonnes.

The increase in cargo throughput during the month was mainly attributed to the 16.1% growth in transshipments, continuing the traditional peak period for air cargo.

Overall cargo to and from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia experienced the most significant increases during the month.

In the first 11 months of the year, HKIA handled 4.6 million tonnes of cargo, representing an increase of 12.9% compared to the same month last year.

AVSECO Canine Unit (ACU) at HKIA

Passenger traffic continued to remain at a significantly low level compared to the pre-pandemic level recorded in 2019.

The airport handled 120,000 passengers and 14,875 flight movements during the month, increases of 48.1% and 18.4% respectively.

Outbound transfer passengers from Mainland China to North America recorded the most significant increases.

In the first 11 months of the year, the airport handled 1.2 million passengers and 130,300 flights, declines of 86.3% and 12% respectively year-on-year.

On a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA handled 1.3 million passengers and 142,960 flight movements, which marks year-on-year decreases of 91.1% and 21.5% respectively. Cargo handled was 5 million tonnes, an 11.6% year-on-year increase.

Free Flight Delay Insurance

A complimentary flight delay insurance with fully automated compensation has been launched for registered members of “HKairport Rewards” in “My HKG”, the official mobile application of HKIA.

The mobile app automatically triggers claims when conditions are met, and manages the whole claim process digitally.

The free flight delay insurance, underwritten by ZA International Insurance Broker Limited (ZA), will compensate HK$300 to registered passengers when their departing flights from HKIA are delayed by six hours or more, without requiring any supporting documents during the claim process.

Registered passengers holding a valid Hong Kong ID card and a round-trip air ticket to Hong Kong are also entitled to free COVID19 protection provided by ZA Relief Fund.

Chris Au Young, General Manager, Data Analytics and Smart Airport of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, “Launched in partnership between AAHK and ZA, the free flight delay insurance represents the latest of our continuous efforts to offer innovative travel-related products to our passengers. The provision of My HKG as a platform for the pioneering product demonstrates AAHK’s effort in striving to go beyond what a traditional airport offers to passengers. In addition to InsurTech, we are working with other industries including TravelTech, FinTech, Lifestyle Tech, etc. to create a new digital airport experience for our passengers.”