Hong Kong International Airport’s cargo operations is slowly getting back to the pre-Covid levels as December saw a 0.2 percent year-on-year drop in cargo handled at 443,000 tonnes.

HKIA’s total cargo throughput in 2020 remained relatively stable at 4.5 million tonnes, recording a 7 percent year-on-year drop. Cargo imports and exports continued climbed 18 percent and 8 percent, respectively, as the number of cargo flights during the year went up 18.3 percent.

Meanwhile, trans-shipments decreased significantly due to shortage of belly capacity on passenger flights.

Despite adding new destinations in Lebanon, Australia, Germany, Russia and the US, 2020’s passenger traffic and number of flights fell 87.7 percent and 61.7 percent, respectively, no thanks to the impact of Covid-19.

Travel demand remained weak in December—passenger volume down 98.4 percent—as flight movements fell 62.8 percent, compared to the same month in 2019.

Vivian Cheung, Executive Director, Airport Operations for the AA, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause grave impacts on the airport community, particularly on passenger traffic.

“The AA is deeply grateful for the community’s dedication and resilience in these difficult times, including adapting to new travel requirements, adjusting operations to fluctuating passenger numbers, and implementing new health measures to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.

“In 2021, we will continue to work closely with the airport community in managing the continuing challenges and prepare for the recovery of passenger traffic when the pandemic subsides.”