The Thriving Hub: Hkg Airport's Astonishing Passenger Numbers

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of the world's busiest airports for passenger and cargo traffic. In 2015, it handled 68.5 million passengers, making it the 8th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the 4th busiest by international passenger traffic. The airport is also the world's busiest cargo gateway, surpassing Memphis International Airport in 2010. HKG covers an area of 4,707 acres or 1,905 hectares and has 89 boarding gates. It is operated by Airport Authority Hong Kong and runs 24 hours a day, serving as a primary hub for several major airlines. The airport is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok in western Hong Kong and was opened in 1998.

HKG Airport's transport options

HKG Airport Transport Options

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) offers a wide variety of transport options to suit different travellers' needs. Whether you're looking for a quick and efficient way to get to the city or a more flexible option to reach your destination, HKG Airport has you covered. Here's an overview of the different transport options available:

Airport Express

The Airport Express is the quickest way to travel between the airport and Central Hong Kong. With trains departing every 10 minutes from 05:54 to 00:48, you can reach your destination in just 24 minutes. The Airport Express also offers in-town check-in services at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station, allowing passengers to check in and drop off their baggage before heading to the airport. Passengers can also use the MTR Mobile app to stay updated on real-time train schedules.

Public Buses

For those who prefer a more economical option, public buses are available at HKG Airport. These buses service various routes across Hong Kong, making it convenient for passengers to reach their destinations.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at HKG Airport, offering a flexible and convenient way to travel. Taxi lines can often be long, but ride-hailing services like Uber provide an alternative, allowing passengers to request a ride and avoid the wait.

Residents' Coaches

HKG Airport also offers quick and easy transport for neighbouring residents through residents' coaches. These coaches provide direct connections to nearby areas, making it convenient for residents to travel to and from the airport.

Transport for Special Needs

HKG Airport caters to passengers with special needs, offering transportation with expert care and guidance. This service ensures that all travellers can comfortably navigate their way through the airport and to their desired destinations.

With a range of transport options available, HKG Airport ensures that passengers can choose the most suitable way to begin or end their journey. Whether it's the convenience of the Airport Express or the flexibility of a taxi, HKG Airport's transport options cater to diverse traveller needs.

The airport's busiest years

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of the world's busiest airports for passenger and cargo traffic. In 2015, it handled 68.5 million passengers, making it the 8th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and 4th busiest by international passenger traffic.

The airport's busiest year was in 2015 when it handled 68.5 million passengers. This made HKG the 8th busiest airport worldwide by passenger traffic and the 4th busiest by international passenger traffic. HKG has consistently ranked among the top 10 busiest airports globally, and in 2010, it was the busiest airport in Asia for passenger traffic.

HKG's cargo operations are also impressive. Since 2010, it has been the world's busiest airport for cargo traffic, excluding 2020 due to COVID-19-related disruptions. In 2018, the economic contribution of Hong Kong's air travel industry was US$33 billion, amounting to 10.2% of the region's GDP.

HKG's high volume of passenger and cargo traffic is facilitated by its three parallel runways, advanced baggage handling systems, and two air cargo terminals. Over 100 airlines operate flights to more than 180 cities worldwide, with more than 900 scheduled flights daily.

The airport's busiest year for cargo

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) retained its status as the world's busiest cargo airport in 2023, a position it has held for 13 years, except for 2020 when it dropped to second place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

HKG handled 4.33 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2023, according to data from Airports Council International (ACI) World. This figure marked a 3.2% increase from 2022 but was still 9.9% lower than pre-pandemic levels.

The airport's cargo volumes have continued to soar, recording double-digit year-on-year growth for six consecutive months in 2024 thanks to export cargo growth. In June 2024, HKG's cargo volumes increased by 17.6% year-on-year to 417,000 tonnes, with a 24.9% increase in export cargo. On a 12-month rolling basis, there was a 14.8% increase in cargo throughput to 4.7 million tonnes.

HKG's status as the world's busiest cargo airport in 2023 is especially notable considering the overall decline in global cargo volumes. According to ACI World, total cargo volumes at the world's airports fell by 3.1% year-on-year in 2023 to 113 million metric tonnes, marking the second consecutive annual decrease following the pandemic-driven cargo surge.

Geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains have been cited as reasons for the decline in global cargo volumes. Despite this, HKG has maintained its position as the top cargo hub, followed by Memphis International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The airport's primary hubs

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is the primary hub for several airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Greater Bay Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, and Air Hong Kong. It is also one of the hubs for Oneworld and a focus city for China Airlines and China Eastern Airlines.

As one of the world's busiest airports for passenger and cargo traffic, HKG plays a crucial role in maintaining Hong Kong's status as a global financial centre and serves as a key gateway between the East and West. The airport is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok in western Hong Kong and is also known as Chek Lap Kok International Airport or Chek Lap Kok Airport.

HKG's Terminal 1 is the main operation hub and one of the largest airport passenger terminals in the world, offering a wide range of facilities and services. It handles the majority of the airport's passenger services and flights. Terminal 2, currently closed for renovation, previously served as a check-in and processing facility for departing passengers. The North Satellite Concourse and Midfield Concourse provide additional gates and serve regional and long-haul flights.

HKG is well-connected to the city and the region through transport options like the Airport Express, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services. The airport also boasts an efficient baggage handling system and stringent but efficient security measures, ensuring a smooth travel experience for its millions of annual passengers.

The airport's history

Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG, ICAO: VHHH) is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok in western Hong Kong. The airport is also referred to as Chek Lap Kok International Airport or Chek Lap Kok Airport to distinguish it from its predecessor, Kai Tak Airport.

Kai Tak Airport was Hong Kong's international airport from 1925 until 1998, officially known as Hong Kong International Airport from 1954 until 6 July 1998. It was located on the eastern side of Kowloon Bay in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and was surrounded by rugged mountains and Victoria Harbour. The airport had a challenging runway approach due to its geographical location, which required a low-altitude right-hand turn before final landing. This approach was known as the "Hong Kong Turn" or the "Checkerboard Turn" and was infamous among both pilots and the general public.

As Hong Kong grew, Kai Tak Airport became overcrowded and strained beyond its capacity. In the late 1980s, the Hong Kong Government began searching for alternative locations for a new airport to replace Kai Tak. After considering several options, the government decided to build the new airport on the island of Chek Lap Kok off Lantau Island, which is located away from Hong Kong's main residential areas. The new airport would help minimise the dangers of a major crash and reduce noise pollution.

The construction of Hong Kong International Airport began in 1991 and was completed in 1998. The airport officially opened on 2 July 1998 and commenced operations on 6 July 1998. However, the airport experienced several technical difficulties and organisational, mechanical, and technical problems during its first few months of operation. Despite these initial challenges, the airport has since become one of the world's busiest cargo gateways and passenger airports.

Today, Hong Kong International Airport covers an area of 4,707 acres or 1,905 hectares (7.36 sq mi) and has three parallel runways. It is the primary hub for several airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Greater Bay Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, and Air Hong Kong. The airport has also contributed significantly to Hong Kong's economy, generating US$33 billion, or 10.2% of Hong Kong's GDP, in 2018.

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