Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is experiencing a remarkable revival, with August 2024 marking a significant milestone in its post-pandemic recovery. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) reported a staggering 4.92 million passengers passing through the airport in August, representing a 23.0% increase compared to the same month last year. This surge in passenger numbers is a testament to the growing demand for travel to and from Hong Kong, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels.
The positive trend extends beyond passenger traffic. Cargo throughput also saw a substantial increase, reaching 406,000 tonnes, a 10.6% rise year-on-year. This robust performance is fueled by an increase in exports, particularly to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
HKIA witnessed a record number of passengers on peak days in August, exceeding 170,000 daily. Notably, on August 18th, the airport handled a post-pandemic high of 174,600 passengers. This signifies the growing popularity of Hong Kong as a travel hub, with passengers from various regions contributing to this significant surge.
The airport saw strong growth across all passenger segments, including Hong Kong residents, visitors, and transfer/transit passengers. Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and Japan emerged as key contributors to this growth, highlighting the increasing popularity of Hong Kong as a gateway to these regions.
Looking ahead, HKIA is poised for further expansion. Two new passenger airlines, Indonesia AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, will launch new routes to Indonesia and Thailand in October, further bolstering connectivity and passenger volume. The airport will also introduce new destinations, including Koror in Palau and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, in August and October respectively, expanding HKIA’s air network and providing more travel options for passengers.
The positive performance of HKIA reflects the thriving travel and trade environment in Hong Kong, underscoring its status as a key regional and global transportation hub. With the addition of new airlines and destinations, HKIA is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory and further solidify its position as a leading international airport.
