HKIA passengers up 2.5% to 74.7 million in 2018

Total cargo throughput grew 1.5% to 5.1 million tonnes.

Passenger traffic at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) sealed a growth of 2.5% in 2018 to 74.7 million passengers, an announcement revealed. Flight movements also rose 1.7% to 427,725 flights for the whole of 2018.

HKIA noted that the total cargo throughput grew 1.5% YoY to 5.1 million tonnes.

In December alone, flight movements advanced 1.2% YoY to hit 37,085 whilst passenger volume grew 1.7% YoY to 6.53 million. However, cargo throughput fell 5.2% YoY to 448,000 tonnes dragged by the drop in both imports and exports by 7% amidst uncertain global economic situations.

HKIA noted that the passenger growth in December was mainly driven by 3% growth in visitor traffic. They also revealed that Hong Kong resident travel experienced 2% growth. Overall passenger traffic to / from Japan, Southeast Asia and Europe recorded the most significant increases.

“Looking forward, several capacity enhancement projects will commence to cater for the surging demand,” Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), said, “Meanwhile, to keep pace with ever-changing traveller dynamics and technological innovations, we will continue to launch new initiatives and passenger-focused features to provide a vibrant, world-class experience for travellers.”

Lam noted that the Terminal 1 Annex Building will commence operation in 2019 which will see over 40 new check-in counters with self-bag drop facilities and two additional baggage reclaim carousels. The project will also provide more seats, shops and catering outlets in the expanded Arrivals Hall.