Traffic figures at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw decreases in January 2020. During the month, HKIA handled 5.7 million passengers and 33,210 flight movements, representing year-on-year decreases of 11.7% and 9.1%, respectively. Cargo throughput dropped 10.4% compared to the same month last year, to 359,000 tonnes.
Overall passenger traffic to/from Mainland China, South Korea and Southeast Asia recorded the most significant decreases in January. Visitor traffic remained weak, showing a year-on-year decrease of 43%. However, travel by Hong Kong residents saw a surge during the Chinese New Year holidays, amounting to a monthly growth of 25% year-on-year.
Cargo throughput declined due to closure of factories and businesses in Mainland China during the Chinese New Year holidays. The decrease in cargo was mainly attributed to the 15% and 10% drops in imports and transshipments, respectively. Exports decreased by 9% compared to the same month last year. Amongst key trading regions, traffic to/from Southeast Asia and North America decreased most significantly in the month.
Vivian Cheung, Executive Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) said, “HKIA’s traffic has been affected by multiple factors, including the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus in late January and social circumstances. We expect to see continued decline in traffic numbers in February as airlines have suspended flights and governments in different markets have implemented immigration restrictions and quarantine measures. The AA has stepped up cleaning and disinfection work in the terminal and passenger facilities, and continues to work closely with the Port Health Division of the Department of Health and our business partners regarding disease prevention work at the airport.”
On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume and flight movements fell by 5.7% and 2.8% to 70.8 million and 416,445, respectively, while cargo throughput recorded 4.8 million tonnes, decreasing 6.6% year on year.
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