Uncertainty hits Hong Kong cargo volumes
16 / 09 / 2019
Cargo throughput at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) dropped 11.5% year-on-year in August to 382,000 tonnes due to global trade uncertainty, said the airport authority.
Transhipments and imports declined by 19% and 15% year-on-year, respectively, with Southeast Asia and Mainland China falling most among key trading regions.
On a 12-month rolling basis, cargo throughput was 4.9 million tonnes, a decrease of 5.3% year on year.
Airport and flight operations were disrupted by demonstrations at the airport on a number of days. Passengers, at 6.0 million passengers and air traffic movements, at 35,655, were also down by 12.4% and 3.5%, respectively, in August as visitors stayed away.
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Executive director, airport operations, CK Ng, said: “In the past few months, there have been huge challenges to airport operations at times. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the airport community, we managed to maintain normal operations and minimise impact on travellers. I would like to express my gratitude to all airport staff who continue to perform their duties with admirable professionalism and dedication.”
