HK air passenger growth slows down in July

HONG KONG – Passenger volume at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) grew by just a little over one percent in July.

The small growth in passenger volume was attributable to the increase in transfer traffic related to North American and Australasian destinations. July's performance was consistent with latest Airport Authority projections in light of economic uncertainties and the impact of high fuel price on travel and freight demand.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, CEO, Airport Authority, said, "Airports and airlines worldwide are feeling the effects of surging fuel prices and economic uncertainties, conditions we expect will likely continue. Airlines have started to reduce flight frequencies to contain losses. As a result, we anticipate a more difficult operating environment and slower growth for all categories of air traffic for the remainder of the year. "

On a rolling twelve-month basis to 31 July 2008, HKIA's air traffic experienced solid growth. Passenger throughput increased by over seven percent to 49.5 million.