HKIA’s March 2025 Air Traffic Report: Passenger Surge and Cargo Milestones Unveiled

The following is a detailed summary of the provisional civil international air traffic statistics for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for March 2025, as provided in the official data release. This report focuses on passenger numbers, cargo handled, and flight movements, with comparisons to March 2024 and the past 12 months (which aligns with the period since April 2024, i.e., Apr 2024–Mar 2025). Additionally, a comparison with February 2025 data is included to highlight month-over-month trends. All figures are rounded, and percentage changes reflect the difference from the same period in the previous year unless otherwise stated.

1. Passenger Statistics

• March 2025 Total: 4,810,000 passengers
• March 2024 Total: 4,355,000 passengers
• Change (Year-over-Year): +10.4%
• Past 12 Months (Apr 2024–Mar 2025): 54,942,000 passengers, +21.6%
• February 2025 Total: 4,500,000 passengers
• Change (Month-over-Month): +6.9%

Passenger numbers at HKIA in March 2025 increased by 10.4% compared to March 2024. Over the past 12 months, a total of 54,942,000 passengers were recorded, marking a 21.6% rise. Compared to February 2025, passenger numbers rose by 6.9%, reflecting a continued upward trend, possibly due to seasonal travel patterns such as spring holidays or business travel resuming after the Lunar New Year period.

2. Cargo Handled (Tonnes)

• March 2025 Total: 449,000 tonnes
  • Unloaded: 120,000 tonnes, +2.2% (from 117,000 tonnes in Mar 2024)
  • Loaded: 330,000 tonnes, +5.7% (from 312,000 tonnes in Mar 2024)
• March 2024 Total: 429,000 tonnes
• Change (Year-over-Year): +4.8%
• Past 12 Months (Apr 2024–Mar 2025): 4,974,000 tonnes, +10.3%
• February 2025 Total: 334,000 tonnes
  • Unloaded: 99,000 tonnes
  • Loaded: 224,000 tonnes
• Change (Month-over-Month): +34.4%
  • Unloaded: +21.2%
  • Loaded: +47.3%

Cargo handled at HKIA in March 2025 amounted to 449,000 tonnes, a 4.8% increase from March 2024. Unloaded cargo rose by 2.2%, while loaded cargo increased by 5.7%. Over the past 12 months, the total cargo handled was 4,974,000 tonnes, up 10.3%. Compared to February 2025, total cargo handled surged by 34.4%, with unloaded cargo up by 21.2% and loaded cargo showing a significant 47.3% increase. This sharp month-over-month growth may reflect a rebound in trade activity, possibly driven by post-Lunar New Year shipping demand or global supply chain adjustments.

3. Flight Movements

• March 2025 Total: 33,240 movements
  • Passenger Flights: 25,650, +14.8% (from 22,348 in Mar 2024)
  • Cargo Flights: 6,765, +0.6% (from 6,723 in Mar 2024)
  • Non-revenue Flights: 825, +9.4% (from 754 in Mar 2024)
• March 2024 Total: 29,825 movements
• Change (Year-over-Year): +11.5%
• Past 12 Months (Apr 2024–Mar 2025): 373,050 movements, +20.5%
• February 2025 Total: 29,075 movements
  • Passenger Flights: 23,475
  • Cargo Flights: 4,980
  • Non-revenue Flights: 620
• Change (Month-over-Month): +14.3%
  • Passenger Flights: +9.3%
  • Cargo Flights: +35.8%
  • Non-revenue Flights: +33.1%

Flight movements in March 2025 totaled 33,240, an 11.5% increase from March 2024. Passenger flights increased by 14.8%, cargo flights by 0.6%, and non-revenue flights by 9.4%. Over the past 12 months, flight movements reached 373,050, a 20.5% rise. Compared to February 2025, total flight movements grew by 14.3%, with passenger flights up by 9.3%, cargo flights surging by 35.8%, and non-revenue flights increasing by 33.1%. The significant month-over-month increase in cargo flights aligns with the sharp rise in cargo tonnage, indicating a spike in freight activity.

Conclusion

The March 2025 air traffic statistics for HKIA reflect sustained growth across all categories, with notable month-over-month improvements. Passenger numbers grew by 21.6% over the past 12 months and rose 6.9% from February 2025. Cargo handled increased by 10.3% year-over-year and saw a dramatic 34.4% jump from the previous month, driven by a 47.3% increase in loaded cargo. Flight movements rose by 20.5% over the past year and 14.3% from February 2025, with cargo and non-revenue flights showing significant month-over-month gains. These figures highlight HKIA’s continued significance as a major international aviation hub, catering to both passenger travel and global trade demands, even amidst seasonal and economic fluctuations.

Notes on Data

• Percentage changes reflect comparisons with the same period in the previous year unless specified as month-over-month.
• Passenger and cargo figures are rounded to the nearest 1,000, and flight movements to the nearest 5.
• Totals include transfer and transit passengers (counted twice) and transshipment cargo (counted twice).
• Figures may not add up precisely due to rounding.