In encouraging news for Hong Kong Aviation, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) handled 1.05 million passengers in November 2022, representing a surge of 769.6%, or around 7.7 times, compared to the same month last year.
The relaxation of inbound and outbound travel restrictions led to significant increases in Hong Kong residents and visitors, compared to November 2021, Airport Authority Hong Kong said. Traffic to and from Southeast Asia and Japan experienced the most significant increases compared to other regions.
Over the first 11 months of 2022, the airport handled 4.1 million passengers, marking a year-on-year increase of 238.5%. Flight movements and cargo volume dropped by 5.7% and 15.4% to 122,930 and 3.8 million tonnes respectively, compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, HKIA has been recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a Partner Airport of IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animals (IATA CEIV Live Animals), making it the first airport community in the world to obtain the accreditation.
Cissy Chan, Executive Director, Commercial of AAHK, said, “We are delighted that HKIA has been recognised as a CEIV Live Animals Partner Airport by IATA. HKIA is the world’s busiest cargo airport, and this accreditation further affirms its cargo community’s capabilities in handling special cargo, as well as its dedication to the welfare and safety of animals throughout the air journey.”
HKIA and its cargo business partners have now achieved three IATA CEIV standards for the handling of pharmaceuticals, perishable products, and live animals respectively.
HKIA is one of the few airports in the world where all cargo terminal operators have attained the IATA CEIV standards for transporting cargo that requires special handling.