Hong Kong International Airport Crowned World Busiest Cargo Hub for 2023

Monday, April 15, 2024

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been recognized as the world’s busiest cargo airport for the third time since 2010, according to the latest figures from the Airports Council International (ACI). The airport processed 4.3 million tonnes of cargo in 2023.

Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, “We are proud to have claimed once again the top spot for air cargo throughput. This accomplishment demonstrates HKIA’s resilience, unparalleled efficiency and world-class cargo services. Air cargo is a key driver of the growth of Hong Kong’s logistics industry and overall economic development. AAHK shall continue to work tirelessly with our air cargo community to further strengthen HKIA’s competitiveness as a global cargo hub.”

To accommodate future demands, HKIA is advancing its expansion to a Three-runway System (3RS), set to increase its cargo capacity to 10 million tonnes annually and expected to be operational by year-end.

HKIA is also strategically focusing on high-value, rapidly expanding market segments. It is the first airport globally to achieve the complete set of Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certifications from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for handling sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, and lithium batteries.

In response to the surge in e-commerce, HKIA has undertaken significant developments, including the completion of the Cainiao Smart Gateway by Alibaba Group’s logistics arm and an expansion of DHL’s Central Asia Hub, boosting its capacity by 50%. Additionally, United Parcel Service has revealed plans to set up a new hub at HKIA.

Enhancing connectivity with the Greater Bay Area (GBA), HKIA has initiated a pioneering sea-air cargo transshipment operation. This operation includes security screening and cargo handling at HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park before sea transport to HKIA for global air transshipment. This innovative approach is transforming HKIA’s transshipment operations and reinforcing its position as a key international cargo gateway for the GBA.

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