Hong Kong reported that cargo volumes for the month of May dropped once again amid persisting challenges to the supply chain industry.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said during the month, cargo throughput at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reached 365,000 tonnes representing a 9.7% decline year-on-year compared to its performance in May 2021.
Flight movements also saw a 4% drop to 10,440.
HKIA — the world's busiest cargo hub — saw cargo volumes in April record a 2.8% decrease year-on-year to 375,000 tonnes.
Russia-Ukraine war, Covid challenges impact volumes
"The continuing geopolitical tensions in Europe and disruptions to global supply chains caused by the pandemic led to the overall decline in cargo volume," AAHK said in a statement.
It added that for the period, exports decreased by 15% year-on-year.
"Cargo traffic to and from key trading regions in Europe and North America registered the most significant drops," AAHK further said.
Over the first five months of the year, cargo throughput and flight movements dropped by 8% and 1.5% to 1.8 million tonnes and 50,975, respectively.
AAHK noted that on a 12-month rolling basis, cargo volume increased by 4.3% to 4.9 million tonnes and flight movements rose by 12.3% to 144,020.
For May, HKIA also reported that the airport handled 170,000 passengers, representing a year-on-year increase of 186.1%, although passenger volume remained significantly lower than the pre-pandemic levels.
The rise in passengers during the month was driven primarily by growth in visitor and Hong Kong resident traffic following the relaxation of inbound travel measures.
AAHK said passenger traffic to and from Southeast Asia experienced the most significant increases.