Airport Staffing Rises to 75,000; Chan Urges Priority for Local Recruitment
AM730 · 4 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Transport and Logistics Secretary Chan Mei-po told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that Hong Kong's airport workforce has recovered to approximately 75,000, representing an increase of more than 40 percent from the COVID-19 low of 53,000. Local employees now comprise over 90 percent of the workforce, and the government is encouraging the airport industry to treat local workers as the backbone of their teams. Wages for 10 job categories covered under the airline industry's imported worker scheme rose by 3.4 to 3.8 percent from July 2023 to November last year. The Airport Authority will continue monitoring wage levels and engaging with employers, industry representatives, and unions.
Key Points
- Airport staffing reached approximately 75,000 in the first quarter of 2026, representing a recovery of more than 40 percent from the COVID low of 53,000
- Local employees now account for over 90 percent of the total airport workforce, reflecting successful local recruitment efforts by the Airport Authority
- Wages for the 10 job categories under the imported worker scheme increased by approximately 3.4 to 3.8 percent from July 2023 to November last year
- Overtime hours for local frontline workers have stabilized to approximately 20 to 40 hours per month, down from the strained levels during the initial recovery phase
- The Airport Authority will maintain ongoing communication with employers, industry stakeholders, and labor unions to understand manpower needs and market salary conditions
Why It Matters
The recovery of airport staffing levels and the strong emphasis on local employment demonstrate Hong Kong's commitment to rebuilding its aviation hub status while ensuring domestic workers benefit from the sector's growth. The government's continued monitoring of wages and regular engagement with all stakeholders helps maintain industrial peace and ensures that the aviation industry's recovery translates into tangible benefits for local workers .
The recovery of airport staffing levels and the strong emphasis on local employment demonstrate Hong Kong's commitment to rebuilding its aviation hub status while ensuring domestic workers benefit from the sector's growth. The government's continued monitoring of wages and regular engagement with all stakeholders helps maintain industrial peace and ensures that the aviation industry's recovery translates into tangible benefits for local workers .