Passenger Trips Surpass 210,000 on Chinese New Year Peak Day on the Back of Double-digit Traffic Growth

(Hong Kong, 17 March 2026, 1230hrs) – The busy Chinese New Year period saw daily passenger volume at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) surpass 210,000 trips on the peak day of 22 February 2026. In total, HKIA handled 5.42 million passenger trips and 32,100 flight movements in February, representing year-on-year increases of 20.1% and 10.5% respectively. Cargo throughput continued to gain momentum, with cargo volume growing 11.6% year-on-year to 361,000 tonnes during the month.

Over the first two months of 2026, HKIA handled 10.93 million passengers trips and 66,545 flight movements, representing year-on-year growth of 11.7% and 6.2% respectively. The combined growth of passenger volume in January and February was mainly driven by the 30% year-on-year growth in transfer/transit passenger traffic. During the period, traffic to and from the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia contributed the most to the growth in passenger traffic.

The cargo throughput of the first two months of 2026 rose by 8.2% year-on-year, to 776,000 tonnes. The overall growth of cargo throughput for the first two months was mainly attributed to a 17% year-on-year increase in transshipment. Exports also recorded a 7% growth. Among the key trading regions, cargo throughput to and from Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East showed the most significant increase.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume rose by 14.0% year-on-year to 62.12 million, while flight movements increased by 7.9% to 398,565. Cargo throughput grew by 3.6% to 5.13 million tonnes.

The airport recently welcomed two new airlines: Chongqing Airlines connecting with Chongqing, and Eastar Jet connecting with Seoul, respectively. Meanwhile, during the month, Air Busan, Chongqing Airlines, Greater Bay Airlines and T’Way Air launched new flight routes to Seoul, Chongqing, Fukuoka, Pakse, Phuket and Busan, respectively, further expanding HKIA’s air traffic network.