Civil International Air Traffic Statistics at HKIA in November 2022

Introduction: November 2022 stands out as a historic month for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), as its provisional civil international air traffic statistics reveal a remarkable achievement in passenger numbers. For the first time since the initiation of COVID-19 restrictions, HKIA witnessed passenger figures exceeding one million, signaling a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery of the aviation industry. Let’s delve into the specifics of the November 2022 report and explore the implications of this notable progress.

Record-Breaking Passenger Numbers: The most noteworthy aspect of the November 2022 report is the extraordinary surge in passenger numbers, recording a remarkable 769.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The total passenger count reached an impressive 1,048,000, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the aviation sector. Over the past 12 months, passenger traffic has surged by 226.6%, reaching a total of 4,206,000. While the numbers have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, this achievement represents a substantial leap forward.

Cargo Handling Continues to Stabilize: While the focus is on passenger numbers, the cargo handling sector has also shown signs of stabilization. Unloaded cargo witnessed a 26.9% decline, totaling 109,000 tonnes in November 2022. Loaded cargo also saw a dip of 25.5%, reaching 245,000 tonnes. Despite these reductions, the overall cargo handling, encompassing both loaded and unloaded, experienced a more modest 25.9% decrease, indicating a gradual return to stability. Over the past 12 months, the total cargo handling fell by 13.3%, standing at 4,326,000 tonnes.

Flight Movements Display Resilience: The flight movement data reflects a mixed picture across various categories. Passenger flight movements increased by 18.7% in November 2022, with a total of 7,020 movements. Cargo movements faced a 27.9% decrease, totaling 6,125 movements. Non-revenue flights displayed a 9.2% growth, totaling 500 movements. Despite these variations, the overall flight movements decreased by 8.3% over the past 12 months, settling at 13,645 movements.

Implications and Future Outlook: The record-breaking passenger numbers in November 2022 signify a robust recovery for the aviation industry, particularly at HKIA. While the figures have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, this milestone serves as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the sector. As global travel restrictions continue to ease, we anticipate further improvements in passenger numbers and overall air traffic metrics. Despite persistent challenges, this achievement offers a positive outlook for the aviation landscape in the months ahead.

Conclusion: November 2022 will be remembered as a milestone month for HKIA, with passenger numbers surpassing one million for the first time since the initiation of COVID-19 restrictions. This significant leap forward indicates a strong recovery and a promising future for the aviation industry. As the world navigates the complexities of the ongoing pandemic, these statistics underscore the adaptability and resilience of HKIA, positioning it as a key player in the global aviation recovery.