Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has retained its status as the world’s busiest air-cargo hub by tonnage, as cited in the Airports Council International (ACI) rankings for 2023.
HKIA handled 4.3 million tonnes of cargo last year, of which Cathay Cargo was the biggest contributor, accounting for 1.4 million tonnes, up 20 per cent on the previous year.
Director Cargo Tom Owen welcomed the news. ‘Hong Kong once again being named number one in the world for air cargo is a testament to the resilience, innovation and collaboration of the Hong Kong air-cargo community,’ he said. ‘With its world-leading infrastructure, expertise and capabilities, supported by the increased development of intermodal connectivity within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong continues to be at the forefront of the global air-cargo industry.’
These capabilities were ably demonstrated earlier this year at the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024, which attracted the biggest number of delegates ever to an IATA event. It also reflects the strategic importance of HKIA as the aviation gateway for the GBA – Cathay Cargo’s extended home market – as outlined in the Central Government’s 14th Five Year Plan. When all three runways at HKIA start operations later this year, the cargo throughput could potentially reach 10 million tonnes.