Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) cargo throughput rose by seven per cent year-on-year (YOY) to 315,000 tonnes in February.
Combining the figures for the first two months of this year, which eliminates for the effect of Chinese New Year falling in a different month in 2017 for a more meaningful comparison, HKIA handled 725,000 tonnes of cargo, growth of 8.6 per cent over the same period last year.
The overall uplift of cargo throughput for the first two months was mainly attributed to a 12 per cent YOY increase in exports.
Transshipments also recorded growth of seven per cent. Among the key trading regions, cargo throughput to and from Europe and North America showed the most significant increases.
On a rolling 12-month basis, HKIA handled five million tonnes of cargo, a YOY increase of 9.3 per cent.
Airport Authority Hong Kong acting deputy director of service delivery, Steven Yiu added: “In order to cope with the expected surge in travel over the Easter holidays, a total of 70 extra flights will be arranged from 27 March to 9 April. Popular destinations include Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo.
“The airport community will work closely together to ensure efficient airport operations during the festive period.”
