HKIA Achieves Another Record-Breaking Year Flight Movements Hit New Monthly Record in December 2013

(HONG KONG, 19 January 2014)  –  Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported a year of solid growth in all three traffic categories in 2013, setting new annual records in passenger and aircraft movements. During the year, HKIA welcomed more than 59.9 million passengers and handled 372,040 aircraft movements, representing annual growth of 6.1% and 5.8%, respectively. Cargo throughput rose 2.4% year on year, reaching 4.12 million tonnes.  

HKIA handled 32,830 flight movements in December 2013, up 6.6% compared with same period in 2012, breaking the previous monthly record set in August 2013. The airport also served nearly 5.3 million passengers during the month, up 6.1% from the same month in 2012. Cargo volume handled was 371,000 tonnes, consistent with the level recorded in December 2012. 

The growth in passenger trips was driven mainly by Hong Kong resident traffic and visitor traffic, which saw 13% and 6% gain, respectively, over the same month in 2012. Passenger traffic to and from Mainland China, Taiwan and Japan recorded the most significant increases. On the cargo side, both imports and exports registered 1% year-on-year growth, while transshipments dropped by 6% compared to December 2012.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “We are pleased to see another record-breaking year for HKIA in 2013, which further strengthens our position as a leading regional and international aviation hub. We welcomed five new airlines and added five new destinations during the year.

“HKIA was also inducted into TTG’s Travel Hall of Fame, recognising the hard work and tireless contributions of the 65,000-strong airport community. 2013 was also a year of development, enhancing our facilities to keep in stride with the fast pace of growth. While 20 new aircraft parking stands entered service last year, another eight stands will become operational within this year. Construction of the Midfield Concourse and the associated facilities is also progressing on schedule, and these facilities are expected to come on stream in the end of 2015.”

During the year, HKIA also broke new annual records for cross-boundary traffic. Approximately 2.67 million passengers made use of SkyPier, representing a yearly growth of 2.8%. Nearly 2 million passengers hired limousine and coach services travelling between HKIA and Pearl River Delta destinations, up 3% year on year.   

“2014 will be another challenging year for HKIA, as demand for air services continues to increase. With a daily average of 1,050 flight movements projected in the coming summer schedule, everything is done to ensure we maintain a world-class travel experience for our passengers. We will continue to work closely with HKIA’s business partners to achieve that,” added Mr Hui.