Following a record-breaking 2014, Hong Kong International Airport again set new records for passenger traffic and aircraft movements last year, bringing the airport closer to full capacity.

The airport’s traffic volumes expanded again last year, with a total of 68.5 million passengers and 406,020 flight movements. The figures represent growth of 8.1 per cent and 3.8 per cent, respectively. The airport’s cargo throughput also reached a record 4.38 million tonnes.

“We are pleased to see HKIA achieving another recording [sic] breaking year,” said Fred Lam, CEO, Hong Kong Airport Authority. “During the past year, HKIA also set new records in daily passenger volume and aircraft movements, reaching around 228,000 passengers and over 1,200 flight movements.”

The airport welcomed service from six new airlines, including Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Pacific, Scandinavian Airlines, Myanmar National Airlines, Etihad Airways and Sky Lease Cargo. The new routes expanded its flight network to 190 destinations across the globe.

The third-busiest airport in the Asia Pacific region and among the world’s top 10 in terms of passenger traffic is expected to soon reach its annual maximum capacity of 420,000 air traffic movements.

As part of an ongoing expansion project, the new Midfield Concourse opened in December 2015, adding 20 more aircraft parking stands. The airport also plans to build a third runway in the future in order to cater to growing demand.

“Expanding the airport into a three-runway system (3RS) is the only option for us to meet long-term air traffic demand,” said Lam. “We will continue the preliminary work of the 3RS project, aiming to commence construction works this year. Meanwhile, we will spare no efforts in providing passengers with a world-class travel experience through close cooperation with the airport community and our business partners.”

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