Hong Kong celebrates its recognition as world’s busiest cargo airport

Hong Kong International Airport was today officially confirmed as the world’s busiest cargo hub in 2025 based on the 5.07 million tonnes of freight handled across the gateway last year.

The airport has topped ACI World’s annual global cargo rankings – the 2025 results being released earlier today – every year since 2010 with the exception of COVID impacted 2020.

Vivian Cheung, CEO of operator Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), enthused: “We are greatly honoured to retain our position as the world’s busiest cargo airport.

“Thanks to the collective efforts of the air cargo community and strong support from various government departments, we continue to expand our capacity and enhance capability in handling high-value cargoes, e-commerce fulfillment, and cross-boundary transshipment, all being strategic and high growth segments.

“Facing intense competition in the region and global economic uncertainties, we are redoubling our efforts to sharpen competitiveness and open new horizons for our cargo business.”

HKG – referred to as HKIA by AAHK – is quick to note that it has continued to roll out new initiatives to strengthen its air cargo capabilities.

UPS, for example, began construction of its new hub at the airport in March 2026, which will be capable of handling nearly one million tonnes of cargo annually upon completion in 2028.

To enhance cross‑boundary transhipment efficiency, the Air‑Land Fresh Lane — jointly established by AAHK in collaboration with authorities of Hong Kong and Guangdong in 2025 —streamlines customs procedures to enable premium perishables received at HKG to reach major cities in the Greater Bay Area within hours.

Meanwhile, the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park has handled cargo valued at over RMB57 billion since the launch of its pilot scheme, with its first phase permanent facilities now under development and expected to raise annual handling capacity to beyond one million tonnes upon full operation.

Complementing physical and process enhancements, AAHK notes that it also pioneers the digitalisation of the air cargo supply chain with a view to further enhancing efficiency and enabling value-added services.

Initiatives include the award-winning, one-stop digital platforms ‘HKIA Cargo Data Platform; and ‘HKIA Cargo Connect’ facilitate partnerships through innovative, intelligent and interconnected digital ecosystems, unlocking new business and collaboration opportunities.