Hong Kong’s cargo volume slumped 16.4 percent in 2022 no thanks to the impact of global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

Cargo throughput saw a 26.4 percent drop to 351,000 tonnes in December 2022, compared to the same month last year, with import and export volume sliding 33 and 26 percent year on year in the same month.

Despite the drop in air freight volume, the airport handled a total of 5.7 million passengers, representing a year-on-year increase of 318.4 percent. Flight movements meanwhile slid to 4.2 percent over previous year to 138,700, with flights in December slipping 8.7 percent YoY to 15,770.

Fred Lam, airport authority, said the airport is sparing no effort in improving the airport’s facilities to prepare for the recovery of air traffic.

“e saw the light at the end of the tunnel when the HKSAR Government relaxed travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for inbound travellers in the second half of the year.

“Passenger traffic at HKIA started to pick up in the last quarter of 2022. We also have a good start of 2023 with the resumption of normal travel with the Mainland. We are confident that passenger traffic will continue to recover at HKIA.”