M
MercyNews
Home
Back
Hong Kong Airport Hits 61 Million Passengers in 2025
World_news

Hong Kong Airport Hits 61 Million Passengers in 2025

South China Morning Post4h ago
3 min read
📋

Key Facts

  • ✓ Passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport reached 61 million trips in 2025, a significant 15 per cent increase year-on-year.
  • ✓ The airport's cargo throughput also saw growth, rising by 2.7 per cent to reach 5.07 million tonnes for the full year.
  • ✓ During the busy December holiday period, the facility recorded over 200,000 daily passenger trips across eight separate days.
  • ✓ The robust traffic figures come after the airport completed its first full year of operations with the third runway system active.

In This Article

  1. Record-Breaking Traffic
  2. Holiday Surge
  3. Cargo Growth
  4. Executive Commentary
  5. Looking Ahead

Record-Breaking Traffic#

Hong Kong International Airport has announced a remarkable recovery in travel demand, posting 61 million passenger trips for the year 2025. This figure marks a robust 15 per cent year-on-year increase, signaling a strong return to pre-pandemic activity levels and beyond.

The milestone was achieved following the completion of the airport's third runway system. This infrastructure expansion has allowed the hub to handle increased capacity efficiently, supporting the region's economic recovery and connectivity.

Holiday Surge#

The annual figures were bolstered by an exceptionally busy end to the year. The Airport Authority reported that December saw a significant spike in traveler numbers, driven by the festive Christmas and New Year period.

Specifically, the facility recorded over 200,000 daily passenger trips for eight consecutive days in December. This sustained high volume highlights the airport's ability to manage peak holiday traffic effectively.

  • Full year passenger total: 61 million
  • Year-on-year growth: 15 per cent
  • Peak daily traffic: 200,000+ passengers
  • Peak period duration: Eight days in December

"The strong traffic performance in 2025 marks..."

— Airport Authority

Cargo Growth#

While passenger travel grabbed headlines, the airport's logistics arm also demonstrated resilience. Cargo throughput for 2025 rose by 2.7 per cent, reaching a total of 5.07 million tonnes.

This dual growth in both passenger and cargo sectors underscores the facility's critical role as a global aviation hub. The expansion of the third runway has provided the necessary capacity to accommodate this increased demand across both sectors.

Executive Commentary#

Officials highlighted the significance of the year's performance as a key indicator of the region's aviation health. The Airport Authority noted on Thursday that the strong traffic performance in 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the facility.

The strong traffic performance in 2025 marks...

The statement reflects the confidence in the airport's strategic infrastructure investments. The third runway project was designed specifically to accommodate future growth, and the 2025 data validates that long-term planning.

Looking Ahead#

The 2025 statistics set a strong foundation for the future of Hong Kong's aviation sector. With the third runway now fully integrated into operations, the airport is well-positioned to handle further increases in global travel and trade.

As the world continues to normalize travel patterns, the airport's expanded capacity ensures it remains a competitive and efficient gateway for passengers and cargo alike. The 15 per cent passenger growth and 2.7 per cent cargo increase suggest a sustained upward trajectory for the coming year.

Continue scrolling for more

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs
Technology

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs

Artificial intelligence is shifting from a promise to a reality in mathematics. Machine learning models are now generating original theorems, forcing a reevaluation of research and teaching methods.

Just now
4 min
196
Read Article
Marc Benioff says a documentary about Character.AI's effects on children was 'the worst thing I've ever seen in my life'
Technology

Marc Benioff says a documentary about Character.AI's effects on children was 'the worst thing I've ever seen in my life'

Marc Benioff said that Section 230 needs to be reformed and tech companies should be held responsible for online harm. Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images Marc Benioff said that AI-related suicides were the darkest aspect of AI he's seen. The Salesforce CEO said that Section 230, which protects tech giants, needs to be reformed. Character.AI, Google, and OpenAI are facing lawsuits over chatbot-related teen suicides. Marc Benioff shared what he thinks is the darkest aspect of AI. On an episode of the "TBPN" show streamed on Wednesday, the Salesforce CEO said that he couldn't "believe what he was watching" when he saw a "60 Minutes" documentary on chatbot-building startup Character.AI and its impact on children. "We don't know how these models work. And to see how it was working with these children, and then the kids ended up taking their lives," he said, "That's the worst thing I've ever seen in my life." Character.AI allows users to build custom chatbots that can emulate the behaviour of a close friend or romantic partner. The startup did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment about Benioff's remarks. "Tech companies hate regulation. They hate it," Benioff said. "Except for one regulation they love: Section 230. Which means that those companies are not held accountable for those suicides." Section 230 of the 1996 US Communications Decency Act protects social media companies from liability for user-generated content while also letting them moderate posts. Tech giants use Section 230 as a common defense strategy, saying they are just platforms and not responsible for what users say and do on them. "Step one is let's just hold people accountable," he said. "Let's reshape, reform, revise Section 230, and let's try to save as many lives as we can by doing that." Executives, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, have repeatedly defended the regulation in Congress, asking for it to be expanded rather than removed. Last week, Google and Character.AI agreed to settle multiple lawsuits from families whose teenagers died by suicide or hurt themselves after interacting with Character.AI's chatbots. These negotiations are among the first settlements in lawsuits that accuse AI tools of contributing to mental health crises and suicides among teenagers. OpenAI and Meta are facing similar lawsuits as they, along with others, race to build large language models that sound more friendly and helpful, ultimately keeping users coming back. Read the original article on Business Insider

2h
3 min
0
Read Article
DHS: ICE officers in Minneapolis shoot Venezuelan man in the leg
Crime

DHS: ICE officers in Minneapolis shoot Venezuelan man in the leg

The Department of Homeland Security says the shooting happened after the agent came under attack. Protestors have taken to the streets in Minneapolis, clashing with federal agents, after Renee Macklin Good's killing last week.

2h
3 min
0
Read Article
Gabriel Attal ne condamnerait pas «par principe» une intervention contre le pouvoir en Iran
Politics

Gabriel Attal ne condamnerait pas «par principe» une intervention contre le pouvoir en Iran

«Si des informations attestent qu’il est possible qu’une intervention participe à la fin de ce régime et à aider le peuple iranien de manière efficace, évidemment, tout doit être regardé», a expliqué l’ex-premier ministre.

2h
3 min
0
Read Article
Bitcoin ETFs See $1.7 Billion Surge
Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin ETFs See $1.7 Billion Surge

US spot bitcoin ETFs recorded a massive $1.7 billion net inflow over three days, marking the strongest performance since October.

2h
3 min
6
Read Article
Uganda Votes Amid Internet Blackout and Tense Climate
Politics

Uganda Votes Amid Internet Blackout and Tense Climate

As Ugandans lined up at polling stations, the nation faced a complete internet shutdown. The vote follows a violent campaign period that resulted in the mass arrest of opposition supporters, raising concerns about the election's transparency.

2h
5 min
6
Read Article
European Markets Eye Gains Amid Greenland, Iran Tensions
Economics

European Markets Eye Gains Amid Greenland, Iran Tensions

European markets are poised for a positive start on Thursday as investors navigate a complex landscape of geopolitical news emanating from Greenland and Iran, signaling a cautious but optimistic sentiment.

2h
3 min
6
Read Article
Taliban Leadership Rift Deepens Over Internet Ban
Politics

Taliban Leadership Rift Deepens Over Internet Ban

Internal divisions are tearing at the very top of the Taliban leadership, with a new investigation revealing a clash of wills over the internet, women's rights, and religious interpretation.

2h
5 min
12
Read Article
Marie Martos: The Mystery of the Abandoned Baby
Society

Marie Martos: The Mystery of the Abandoned Baby

In 1991, a baby was found in a field in Cenon. Thirty-four years later, Marie Martos is searching for her biological mother, armed with a few clues and the unwavering support of her family.

2h
5 min
12
Read Article
McDonald's CEO Reveals 3 Food Trends for 2026
Lifestyle

McDonald's CEO Reveals 3 Food Trends for 2026

McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski has shared his predictions for the top food trends of 2026, following a successful year of accurate forecasts. The new list focuses on nutritional shifts, flavor combinations, and drink innovation.

2h
5 min
12
Read Article
🎉

You're all caught up!

Check back later for more stories

Back to Home