Hong Kong Airport Records 4.86 Million Passengers Last Month, 10.2% Year-on-Year Growth
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong International Airport saw robust growth in aviation traffic during the previous month, with passenger numbers reaching 4.86 million, up 10.2% year-on-year, according to data released by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) on October 20, 2026. Aircraft movements exceeded 32,100 flights, representing a 7% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth in overall passenger volume was primarily fueled by transit and transfer travelers, who recorded double-digit percentage increases, while visiting tourists to Hong Kong grew by 5% year-on-year. Most regional markets showed positive performance, with the Mainland China market demonstrating the most significant growth, while the Middle East market decline continued to narrow.
Key Points
- Hong Kong airport served 4.86 million passengers in September, up 10.2% year-on-year, with over 32,100 aircraft movements, a 7% increase
- Transit and transfer passengers drove growth with double-digit increases; visitor arrivals to Hong Kong rose 5% year-on-year
- Mainland China market was the strongest performer; Middle East market decline continued to narrow
- Cargo volume reached 433,000 tonnes, up 6.3% year-on-year; transit cargo surged 26.9% and imports rose 9.2%
- Southeast Asian and Mainland markets drove cargo growth, offsetting a European market decline caused by the EU's July cancellation of low-value import tax exemptions
Why It Matters
The sustained double-digit growth in passenger traffic underscores Hong Kong's recovering position as a regional aviation hub, with transit passengers increasingly choosing Hong Kong as a connecting point. The cargo segment's recovery, particularly in Southeast Asian and Mainland routes, signals strengthening supply chain activity that could benefit Hong Kong's logistics and trade sectors amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
The sustained double-digit growth in passenger traffic underscores Hong Kong's recovering position as a regional aviation hub, with transit passengers increasingly choosing Hong Kong as a connecting point. The cargo segment's recovery, particularly in Southeast Asian and Mainland routes, signals strengthening supply chain activity that could benefit Hong Kong's logistics and trade sectors amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.