Finance chief Paul Chan expects HK airport to retain world's busiest air cargo hub title

Hong Kong International Airport could once again retain the title as the world’s busiest air cargo hub, said Hong Kong’s finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po on Tuesday.

Speaking at the World Cargo Symposium this morning, the finance chief said Hong Kong International Airport handled some 4.3 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, and is expected to remain as the world's busiest air cargo hub.

The airport has been the world’s busiest international cargo airport since 1996. In 2022, HKIA handled 4.2 million tonnes of total cargo throughout, which accounted for about 48 percent, or about HK$4,560 billion, of the total value of Hong Kong's external trade.

Chan also noted that passenger traffic at the airport has recovered to about 80 percent of pre-Covid levels, making its way to a full recovery this year.

Meanwhile, Chan said the completion of the airport’s new three-runway system by the end of this year will enhance the airport's capacity for passenger and cargo transportation.

It is expected to accommodate 120 million passengers and handle over 10 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2035.

The finance chief said Hong Kong is working closely with other Greater Bay Area cities, including the development of freight transportation services with cities like Dongguan and the development of international cargo services with Zhuhai, enabling Hong Kong International Airport to play a crucial role as a logistics gateway and regional cargo hub for the Greater Bay Area.

He said Hong Kong will be actively expanding the aviation network, particularly with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Connections with the Greater Bay Area will also be strengthened to facilitate trade in goods and promote passenger traffic, Chan added.