Hong Kong International Airport reports solid start to 2026 with growth across all segments

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded steady, broad-based growth in January 2026, with increases in passenger traffic, flight movements and cargo throughput signalling continued recovery momentum in the Asia-Pacific hub market.

Passenger Traffic Up 4.5% Year-on-Year

HKIA handled 5.51 million passengers in January, a 4.5% increase compared with the same month last year. Flight movements rose 2.4% year-on-year to 34,445.

Growth was underpinned by a double-digit expansion in transfer and transit passengers, reinforcing HKIA’s role as a key intercontinental hub. Traffic to and from the Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia and North America recorded the most pronounced gains during the month.

On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger throughput climbed 13% to 61.21 million, while aircraft movements increased 7.4% to 395,510, reflecting sustained capacity rebuilding and network expansion.

Cargo Throughput Gains Momentum

Cargo performance remained robust, with January volumes rising 5.4% year-on-year to 415,000 tonnes. All cargo segments posted growth, led by transhipment traffic, which surged 18.2% to 93,000 tonnes.

Among key trading regions, cargo flows to and from Europe, Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland recorded the strongest increases.

Over the past 12 months, cargo throughput rose 2.8% year-on-year to 5.09 million tonnes, maintaining HKIA’s position among the world’s leading international air cargo hubs.

Chinese New Year Peak Preparations

Looking ahead, HKIA expects daily passenger throughput to reach approximately 210,000 during peak days over the Chinese New Year holiday period. Taipei, Bangkok and Tokyo are forecast to be the most popular destinations.

Airport Authority Hong Kong will deploy additional manpower and coordinate closely with airport stakeholders to ensure smooth operations during the seasonal travel surge.

Overall, January’s figures point to continued traffic stabilisation and strengthening connectivity at one of Asia’s principal aviation gateways as 2026 gets underway.