Steady Growth in HKIA Air Traffic Continues in January

(HONG KONG, 19 February 2017)  –  Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) achieved steady growth in all air traffic categories in the first month of 2017. The airport handled 6.2 million passengers in January, or 4.8% more than the same period last year, while flight movements increased by 0.3% year on year to 35,315 and cargo grew by 3.1% to 372,000 tonnes.

Passenger traffic growth was largely driven by the surge in Hong Kong resident travel during the Chinese New Year holidays, which saw a year-on-year rise of 24%. Passenger traffic to and from Japan, Europe and Southeast Asia registered the most significant increases.

Growth in cargo throughput was mainly due to an 8% increase in exports. Amongst key trading regions, traffic to and from Europe and North America showed the most significant increases.

Vivian Cheung, Deputy Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong, remarked, “The airport community made an excellent concerted effort to maintain smooth operations at HKIA during the festive period. From 26 January to 1 February, HKIA handled an average of approximately 200,000 daily passengers and 1,115 daily flight movements.” Since the Chinese New Year period fell in February last year, a more meaningful comparison of the traffic performance could be made when the combined statistics for the first two months of 2017 are available.

"We are also delighted to have our newest member, the robot Timmy, joining us and making his debut as an ambassador to greet travellers during the Chinese New Year holidays. Equipped with microphone and camera, Timmy can greet and interact with passengers and always loves to pose for photos. We are exploring more opportunities to enhance our services and facilities by using the latest technologies," added Mrs Cheung.

On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger volume and flight movements at HKIA grew by 2.3% and 0.9% to 70.8 million and 411,630 respectively compared to the same period last year. Cargo throughput rose by 3.4% to 4.5 million tonnes.