HKIA Reports Increase in Cargo and Passenger Numbers in October

(15 Nov 2021)  Cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in October 2021 was 462,000 tonnes, a 14.7% increase compared to the same month last year.

The increase was mainly attributed to a 16.5% growth in exports as well as the beginning of the traditional peak period for air cargo shipments. Imports and transshipments also recorded double-digit growth. Cargo to and from North America, Southeast Asia and Europe experienced the most significant increases during the month.

Due to the on-going COVID19 pandemic, passenger traffic remained significantly below pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. However, outbound transfer passengers from Mainland China to Europe recorded significant increases.

UPS Boeing 747F about to land at HKIA. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

Overall, HKIA handled 137,000 passengers and 13,995 flight movements, year-on-year increases of 72.6% and 28.7%, respectively.

Over the first 10 months of the year, HKIA handled 1.1 million passengers and 115,415 flight movements, representing year-on-year declines of 87.6% and 14.8%, respectively. Cargo handled rose 13.3% during the period to 4.1 million tonnes.

On a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA handled 1.2 million passengers and 140,635 flight movements, representing year-on-year declines of 93.6% and 30.4%, respectively, while cargo throughput was 4.9 million tonnes, representing a 10.2% year-on-year increase.

The airport was recently voted as “Asia’s Leading Airport” for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, and was re-accredited by ACI in its Airport Health programme, highlighting he airport’s commitment to prioritising health and safety measures in accordance with international standards and best practices.

Vivian Cheung, Executive Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “It is an honour to receive these two notable recognitions. Despite the challenges of the COVID19 pandemic, the airport community has demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism in maintaining smooth and efficient operations at HKIA and providing safe and pleasant journeys for travellers. By introducing a number of hygiene measures designed to ensure passenger safety, and innovative technologies to further enhance the passenger experience, HKIA has shown that it stands ready as always to welcome passengers from around the world.”