IATA Expects Hong Kong Air Traffic To Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2024

Newly revised projections show that airline passenger traffic for Hong Kong should recover to pre-pandemic levels by the end of next year.

The upgraded passenger outlook, issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), brings Hong Kong in line with the faster-than-expected recovery for much of the Asia-Pacific region.

“The situation is looking bright for Hong Kong. China’s earlier than expected reopening is providing a much-needed boost to the passenger recovery,” Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said in a statement.

Walsh added that it’s encouraging to see the Hong Kong government preparing for increased traffic “with measures to ensure that the workers needed to support the recovery are available.”

While demand for air travel has been strong, airlines in Hong Kong have been struggling with supply chain issues and a labor shortage. The Hong Kong government however, introduced a labor importation plan last month that involves bringing workers from mainland China in order designed to ramp-up the the workforce.

That plan involves bringing some 20,000 workers to help ease Hong Kong’s labor challenges in specific industries, including 6,300 workers for the aviation industry, according to IATA.

“The last three years have been devastating for the aviation sector. As we look ahead to the recovery and prepare for future growth, it is important that the entire Hong Kong aviation community, including airlines, airport, regulator, and government, work together to address the challenges and are well prepared to tap on future opportunities,” said Walsh.

A spokesman for the Hong Kong Airport Authority said on Tuesday that Hong Kong International Airport has already reached 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, or about 120,000 passengers per day.

Hong Kong has been using various promotions this year to attract an increased number of visitors. In February, as an enticement to woo travelers, the destination has unveiled the “Hello Hong Kong” ad campaign that included 500,000 free airline tickets and 1 million “Hong Kong Goodies” vouchers for complimentary drinks, transportation, dining, retail outlets and attractions.

The air tickets were given away by the Airport Authority Hong Kong in a variety of markets. The promotion began in March, and was scheduled to be rolled out in phases.