Airport packed as Christmas Eve travel rush begins

Hong Kong International Airport saw a surge of outbound travelers on Christmas Eve as residents took advantage of the festive break to travel overseas.

The Airport Authority earlier said December 24 to 26 would be the peak period for outbound flights, with more than 1,220 flight movements expected on Christmas Eve alone. Large crowds were seen at the departure hall after 2pm, with long queues forming at check-in counters for short-haul flights to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Airline staff were seen holding “final call” signs and advising passengers to allow extra time for check-in. Some travelers said self-service baggage drop helped shorten waiting times.

One passenger travelling to Seoul with friends for a three-week trip said he chose to take a longer break during the festive period, estimating his spending at up to HK$20,000.

Another traveler flew to Kaohsiung with her two children for a six-day family holiday, while a separate passenger travelled to Beijing for a four-day skiing trip and said winter travel to the mainland offered good value for money.

Travel Industry Council executive director Fanny Yeung Shuk-fun said around 1,500 tour groups are expected to depart Hong Kong during the Christmas holidays, with about 60 percent heading to mainland destinations by high-speed rail. She added that South Korea remains a popular destination, while demand for Japan tours has softened slightly.