Patronage of Hong Kong International Airport recovers 60pc of pre-pandemic levels

The patronage of the Hong Kong International Airport has recovered about 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels, said Airport Authority’s chairman Jack So Chak-kwong. 

Speaking at an event on Wednesday morning, So expected the numbers to fully recover by the end of next year. 

“Since the beginning of this year, we have reopened and I am very grateful for the support of the Central Government and the Hong Kong government during the difficult three years [of the pandemic]. 

“At the moment, we have recovered about 60 percent of our passenger traffic and we expect to fully recover by the end of next year,” So said. 

So continued that the past few years of the Covid era had been a huge challenge to all airports. 

He also extended his gratitude towards workers for keeping the Chek Lap Kok airport up and running during the pandemic while pushing forward the Third Runway project. 

So pointed out that the Third Runway has commenced service since last November. It is expected that the overall capabilities can increase by half to serve 120 million tourists and handle 10 billion tons of cargo once the construction of support facilities is completed by late next year. 

Financial Secretary Chan Mo-po said Hong Kong is a crucial aviation hub in the Greater Bay Area as well as in international society. 

The budget had earlier reserved HK$200 million to strengthen the training of workers in the logistics and aviation industries, Chan noted. 

Chan also said that aviation talent from all over the world is welcome to join Hong Kong.