HK airport sees steady growth in July passenger and cargo traffic

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported a 9.7 percent year-on-year increase in passenger volume this July, handling a total of 5.2 million travelers. Aircraft movements also rose by 8.3 percent, reaching 33,670 takeoffs and landings.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong announced that transit and transfer passenger numbers continued to grow from a low base, though overall passenger growth was tempered by adverse weather conditions and decreased travel demand to Japan.

On the cargo front, the airport recorded a 3.9 percent increase in freight volume compared to the same period last year, reaching 430,000 metric tonnes. This growth was primarily driven by stronger cargo traffic to and from Europe and the Middle East, which offset a decline in shipments to North America.

Looking at the broader picture, the airport has demonstrated significant recovery over the past year.

In the first seven months of 2025, passenger traffic reached 34.6 million—a 15.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year—while aircraft movements rose by 9.8 percent to 226,020. Cargo volume also saw a 2.2 percent year-on-year growth, totaling 2.83 million metric tonnes.

Over the last 12 months, the airport handled 57.6 million passengers, marking a notable 17.3 percent year-on-year increase. Aircraft movements grew by 13.1 percent to 383,450, and cargo volume rose by 5.4 percent to approximately 5 million metric tonnes.

Meanwhile, HKIA continues to expand its global connectivity.

In recent months, several airlines have resumed and launched new routes to destinations such as Munich, Rome, and Brussels in Europe; Subang in Southeast Asia; as well as Yiwu and Datong in mainland China.

These developments further solidify Hong Kong’s role as a key international aviation hub in Asia.

(Marco Lam)