HKIA, passenger traffic grows by 7.7% in October, 2015

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded growth in all three air traffic figures in October 2015.

During the month, passenger volume rose by 7.7% to 5.8 million, while flight movements increased by 3.5% to 34,810 when compared to the same month last year. Cargo throughput recorded growth for the second consecutive month, increasing by 2.0% to 392,000 tonnes when compared to the same period in 2014.

The growth in October passenger traffic was mainly driven by 13% year-on-year growth in Hong Kong resident travel. Transfer/Transit traffic also grew by 7%. Passenger traffic to/from Japan recorded the most significant increase.

The increase in cargo was mainly driven by imports, which were up 4% from a year ago. Exports and transshipments grew 1% and 2%, respectively, compared to the same month last year. Amongst the key trading regions, traffic to / from Europe, Australasia and North America increased most significantly.

Vivian Cheung, Deputy Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) said, “To serve the needs of our ever-growing traffic, the whole airport community works closely together to provide a pleasant airport experience for travellers from all around the world. In addition to the visible roles of pilots and flight attendants, thousands of dedicated professionals work behind the scenes to maintain our high service standards around the clock.”

"Shedding some light on these unsung contributors, we have recently launched a series called ‘Airport Heroes’ on our social media platforms, which introduces airport staff working in various roles. Through this series, we hope to give the public a better understanding of the diverse range of people working at HKIA, and how the airport could not have reached its current level of success without their effort and dedication," added Mrs Cheung.

Since the beginning of the year, HKIA has handled 56.9 million passengers, 3.58 million tonnes of cargo and 336,610 flight movements, marking year-on-year increases of 8.3%, 0.4% and 4.0%, respectively.

On a rolling 12-month basis, HKIA has handled 67.7 million passengers, 4.39 million tonnes of cargo and 403,805 flight movements, recording year-on-year increases of 8.0%, 1.1% and 4.0%, respectively.