Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported another double-digit decline in cargo at the start of 2023, still impacted by the current global economic downturn, geopolitical tensions and persisting disruptions to supply chains.

HKIA — the world's busiest airport — said in January, 2023, cargo throughput dropped 26.4% to 288,000 tonnes compared to the same month last year.

Flight movements saw a year-on-year increase of 34.9% to 16,215.

Its January performance is also lower than the 351,000 tonnes recorded in December 2022, which was 26.4% lower year-on-year as well. 

"Cargo volume was still impacted by the global economic uncertainties. Mainland factory closures during the Chinese New Year holiday led to year-on-year decreases in import and export cargo of 36% and 33%, respectively," the  Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said in a statement.

It added that Southeast Asia, Taiwan, North America, and Europe saw significant decreases in terms of cargo volume during the month.

On a 12-month rolling basis, AAHK said cargo throughput declined 18.2% to 4.1 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, flight movements dropped 1.7% to 142,920 during the period.

Contrary to the recorded cargo decline, passenger numbers surged in January.

AAHK said air traffic figures of HKIA for January 2023 reached 2.1 million, marking a year-on-year surge of around 28 times.

HKIA handled over 80,000 passengers daily at peak, representing around 40% of pre-pandemic levels due to the relaxation of travel restrictions.

It added that traffic to and from Southeast Asia and Japan recorded the most significant increases, and strong passenger demand was observed in the second half of the month due to the Chinese New Year holiday.