HKIA sees steady traffic growth in the first month of 2015

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) started the New Year with steady growth in all three air traffic categories. In January, the airport handled 5.2 million passengers, registering year-on-year growth of 1.8%. Flight movements increased 2.1% to 33,385 over the past year, while cargo volume showed an increase of 1.6% to 356,000 tonnes during the month.  

Mild growth in passenger traffic was recorded in January, impacted by the Chinese New Year (CNY) season falling on February this year. The growth in passenger numbers was mainly driven by 12% year-on-year growth in Transfer/Transit traffic. Passenger traffic to/from North Asia and Southeast Asia recorded the most significant increases.

The growth in cargo throughput last month was driven by imports and transshipments, which were up 10% and 7%, respectively, from a year ago.  During the month, cargo throughput to/from North America and Southeast Asia increased most significantly compared to other key regions.

Vivian Cheung, Deputy Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “With the full cooperation of the airport community, HKIA is prepared for the traffic peak during the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays. This year, the airport will handle over 650 additional flights during the Chinese New Year period, with Bangkok, Bali and Phuket being the most popular destinations for these additional flights.”

To celebrate the festive season, HKIA will launch a range of activities to delight and entertain passengers. Lion dance, face changing and musical performances and Chinese New Year decorations will liven up the terminal buildings. God of fortune will also greet travellers in Terminal 1 to take instant photos with visitors and hand out Chinese New Year gifts to share blessings of luck and good fortune.

On a rolling 12-month basis, flight movements registered a year-on-year increase of 4.6%, amounting to 391,655 movements. Passenger traffic rose 5% to 63.4 million, while cargo tonnage registered a 5.8% increase to 4.4 million tonnes.