Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has announced the air traffic figures of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for November 2022. During the month, HKIA handled 1.05 million passengers, representing a surge of 769.6%, or around 7.7 times, compared to the same month last year. Flight movements and cargo volume recorded year-on-year decreases of 8.3% and 25.9% to 13,645 and 354,000 tonnes, respectively.
The relaxation of inbound and outbound travel restrictions led to significant increases in Hong Kong residents and visitors, compared to November 2021. Traffic to and from Southeast Asia and Japan experienced the most significant increases compared to other regions.
Cargo volume continued to be impacted by global economic uncertainties, ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supply chains. Both imports and exports showed significant declines compared to the same month last year. North America and Europe saw the most significant decreases in terms of cargo volume.
Over the first 11 months of the year, the airport handled 4.1 million passengers, marking a year-on-year increase of 238.5%. Flight movements and cargo volume dropped by 5.7% and 15.4% to 122,930 and 3.8 million tonnes respectively, compared to the same period last year.
On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume increased year on year by 226.6% to 4.2 million. Flight movements and cargo throughput saw declines of 3.9% and 13.3% to 137,435 and 4.3 million tonnes respectively.
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Meanwhile, HKIA has been recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a Partner Airport of IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animals (IATA CEIV Live Animals), making it the first airport community in the world to obtain the accreditation. Live animals handled as special air cargo range from domestic pets such as cats and dogs, to horses, leopard, alpacas, and more. HKIA is one of the few airports in the world where all cargo terminal operators have attained the IATA CEIV standards for transporting cargo that requires special handling.
“We are delighted that HKIA has been recognised as a CEIV Live Animals Partner Airport by IATA. HKIA is the world’s busiest cargo airport, and this accreditation further affirms its cargo community’s capabilities in handling special cargo, as well as its dedication to the welfare and safety of animals throughout the air journey. AAHK will continue to work closely with its business partners to further strengthen HKIA’s position as a leading air cargo hub,” Cissy Chan, Executive Director, Commercial of AAHK, said.
HKIA and its cargo business partners have now achieved three IATA CEIV standards for the handling of pharmaceuticals, perishable products and live animals respectively.
