Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has introduced a new programme to provide incentives for airlines to open more routes and increase frequency of flights connecting to Hong Kong, with a view to further strengthening the position of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as an international aviation hub.

Following the Early Bird Guaranteed Landing Charge Rebate Scheme which ended in March this year, AAHK launched the new Airport Network Development Programme (the Programme) in June 2024 after consultation with local and foreign airlines’ representatives. The Programme includes two schemes, namely the New Route Scheme and the Strategic Development Scheme.

Under the New Route Scheme, all passenger and cargo airlines that launch new destinations connecting to HKIA with a defined continuity will be eligible to receive financial incentives for two years. Both airlines now operating at HKIA and airlines that are new to HKIA are eligible to receive incentives from the Programme, which is open for applications from 1 June 2024 to 31 December 2027.

The Strategic Development Scheme encourages airlines to operate routes aligned with AAHK’s strategy. Any passenger and cargo airlines that launch new routes and/or increases frequencies to AAHK’s targeted regions or countries will be granted financial incentives for three years. In addition, to encourage airlines to utilise the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park (HKIALP) for air cargo operation, the same offer will also be applicable to any incremental cargo flights provided that all cargoes on board are accepted at HKIALP in Dongguan.

Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said, “Air network connectivity is pivotal to an international aviation hub like HKIA. While we are confident in HKIA’s development in the long term, the new Programme serves to encourage home-based and foreign airlines to bring forward their launch of new routes and/or increase in frequency of flights connecting to HKIA. The Programme has already received positive response from airlines since its launch last month. AAHK will continue to engage with existing local and foreign airlines at HKIA and is outreaching to other airlines about the Programme.

In addition, AAHK has been sponsoring airlines on their promotional activities for launching new routes at HKIA.