Hong Kong International Airport has recorded further growth in air freight volumes, underlining its position as one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs.
The airport handled 415,000 tonnes of cargo in January 2026, a rise of 5.4% compared with the same month last year. All cargo segments saw increases, with transshipment traffic driving much of the growth.
Transshipment leads the way
Transshipment volumes — goods transferred through Hong Kong en route to other destinations — rose by 18.2% year-on-year to 93,000 tonnes.
Cargo flows to and from Europe, Southeast Asia and mainland China recorded the strongest increases among key trading regions during the month, reflecting steady demand across major global supply chains.
Hong Kong has long served as a critical gateway linking manufacturers in mainland China with international markets, particularly in high-value sectors such as electronics and e-commerce.
Passenger and flight movements also rise
Alongside the growth in freight, HKIA handled 5.51 million passengers in January, up 4.5% year-on-year.
Aircraft movements increased by 2.4% to 34,445 during the month.
However, cargo remains a cornerstone of the airport’s operations. Hong Kong consistently ranks among the world’s leading air cargo hubs, supported by its extensive freighter network and connectivity to global markets.
The latest figures suggest that freight demand remains resilient at the start of 2026, with transshipment activity playing an increasingly important role in sustaining growth.