Hong Kong Airport saw a 20% increase in March passenger traffic to 5.74 million people year-on-year, with four routes ranking in the top ten busiest international passenger routes globally.

On April 24, Hong Kong International Airport announced the air traffic volume for March 2026. During the month, the airport handled 5.74 million passengers and 34,100 aircraft movements, increasing by 19.6% and 2.7% respectively compared to the previous year. Additionally, four of the top ten busiest international passenger routes globally in April 2026 were to and from Hong Kong International Airport, with the route between Hong Kong and Taipei ranking first. Transit passengers and visitors to Hong Kong both saw double-digit growth, driving the increase in passenger volume. Routes to and from Europe saw significant growth due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, routes to and from Southeast Asia and mainland China continued to be drivers of growth. The airport's cargo volume in March decreased by 4.4% year-on-year to 430,000 metric tons. The decline in cargo volume was mainly attributed to a 14.9% decrease in export cargo. Due to tensions in the region, the export cargo volume to the Middle East saw a significant decrease of 62.1%, dragging down overall export performance. On the other hand, import and transshipment cargo volumes increased by 6.5% and 19.5% year-on-year respectively, offsetting some of the decline in export cargo. Regionally, there was growth in cargo volume to and from Europe, offsetting significant declines in cargo volume to and from the Middle East and North America. In the first quarter of this year, the airport handled over 16.67 million passengers, with 100,645 aircraft movements, increasing by 14.3% and 4.9% respectively compared to the previous year. Cargo volume also increased by 3.3% year-on-year to 1.21 million metric tons. Over the past 12 months, the airport experienced double-digit growth in passenger volume, rising by 14.8% to 63.05 million passengers, and aircraft movements up by 7.1% to 399,450 movements. Overall cargo volume increased by 2.7% to 5.1 million metric tons. According to aviation data and analysis service OAG, the top ten busiest international passenger routes in April 2026 included four routes to and from Hong Kong International Airport, with the Hong Kong-Taipei route retaining the top spot. Routes between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Manila, and Seoul Incheon ranked sixth, seventh, and ninth respectively. Furthermore, Hong Kong International Airport was awarded the "Best Airport in the World in 2026" at the World Business Outlook Awards 2026 for its exceptional efficiency, quality service, and comprehensive facilities. HKIA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Lam said, "We are pleased that Hong Kong has four routes among the top ten busiest international passenger routes globally and has been selected as the 'Best Airport in the World in 2026,' which not only demonstrates the collective efforts of the airport community being recognized by global travelers, but also showcases Hong Kong International Airport's strength as a leading aviation hub. In the future, we will continue to leverage the capacity enhancement of the three-runway system to expand the air network, improve airport services, and consolidate Hong Kong's position as a hub in Asia."