Passenger volumes continue to grow at Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) welcomed 401,000 passengers in July, 2022, a colossal 259.3% increase over the same period last year, although passenger volumes remain significantly down on pre-pandemic levels.

Cargo throughput and air traffic movements recorded 17% and 3.1% year-on-year drops to 348,000 tonnes and 11,485 movements, respectively.

The relaxation of inbound travel and transfer/transit measures drove the growth in all passenger traffic segments – including Hong Kong residents, visitors and transfer/transit passengers – compared to the same month last year. Passenger traffic to and from Southeast Asia experienced the most significant increase.

Operator, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), says that cargo volumes were affected by factors such as global economic uncertainties and disruptions to supply chains caused by the pandemic.

Exports and imports decreased by 19% and 16% year on year, respectively, compared to the same month last year. Cargo traffic to and from the key trading regions in North America and Europe registered the most significant decreases.

The latest figures mean that more than 1.2 million passengers (+152.8%) and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo (-9.5%) passed through HKG in the first seven months of the year.

On a 12-month rolling basis, the airport handled 2.1 million passengers, marking 127% year-on-year growth, and 4.8 million tonnes of cargo and 143,780 flight movements, representing increases of 0.1% and 9.5%, respectively.

AAHK notes that in July “a set of vibrant multimedia installations were unveiled in Terminal 1, with specially curated contents to create a soothing environment and provide passengers with an enjoyable airport experience”.

The elevator at the centre of the Meeters and Greeters Hall now houses the captivating ‘Crystal Elevator’, with its crystalline façade screening digital video and images related to Hong Kong as well as themes of travel, nature and games.

While ‘Waterfall Gardens’ in the North and South Arrivals Halls synthesise the sights and sounds of nature such as a cascading waterfall, flowing creeks and crystal-clear ponds.

Visitors are encouraged to interact with the vertical and floor screens by touching the waterfall and stepping on the stones of a creek, or simply relaxing by the ponds.