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Hong Kong] Passenger traffic across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East recorded growth in July at +5.9% and +6.9% respectively.

India continued to lead in Asia-Pacific with approximately +17.4% overall passenger growth from last year, sustained by robust domestic demand. The domestic sector in India grew by +20.5% this month backed by strong momentum. Top airports with the most passenger volume increase from last year are: Bangalore (BLR) +30.4%, Delhi (DEL) +13.9% and Hyderabad (HYD) +22.8%.

Overall passenger traffic growth in China for the month moderated to +7.2% in July sustained by solid domestic demand, while international demand softened. Top airports with the most volume increase from last year are: Beijing (PEK) +7.8%, Kunming (KMG) +8.1% and Shenzhen (SZX) +7.9%.

Elsewhere in the region, airports in both Japan and Korea showed mix results in July. On the one hand, international traffic continued to demonstrate strength, while domestic traffic showed various degrees of slowdown. The overall volatility was likely due to the impact of the typhoon season. Haneda (HND) reported a marginal decline of -0.1% while Seoul Incheon (ICN) reported an increase of +8.7% from last year.

The Middle East recorded strong performance this month, with growth at +6.9%. Dubai (DXB) the largest airport in the region served over 8.2 million passengers in July, the highest throughput level since August 2017, represented growth of +1.8%. In addition, Doha (DOH) reported strong growth at +14.4%, and appeared to be gradually returning to the throughout level before the diplomatic crisis. The airport continued to benefit from a lower base since last year’s diplomatic crisis in Qatar reaching its 13-month mark. Other strong performers in the region include: Kuwait (KWI) +18.0% and Bahrain (BAH) +16.2%.

In terms of air freight, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East gained +2.5% and +3.2%, respectively. Hong Kong continued to be the top freight hub delivering growth at +0.6%, followed by Shanghai Pudong (PVG) -1.0% and Seoul Incheon (ICN) +2.5%. Among the top freight hubs in both regions, Doha (DOH) continued to expand its cargo operations and reported the strongest growth at +9.4%, its highest since February 2018.