The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) released provisional traffic figures late on 15 January showing that Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) served 61 million passengers in calendar-year 2025—a 15 percent jump on 2024 and the strongest annual growth since borders fully reopened.(eng.yidaiyilu.gov.cn)
The rebound was powered by an exceptionally strong festive season: daily throughput exceeded 200,000 passengers for eight consecutive days over Christmas and New Year, while December volumes reached 5.8 million, up 13.5 percent year-on-year. Flight movements climbed 8.7 percent to 394,730 for the year, and cargo tonnage edged up 2.7 percent to just over 5 million tonnes, confirming HKIA’s status as a top Asian freight hub.
AAHK attributed the gains to network rebuilding by Cathay Pacific, HK Express and a growing roster of mainland and regional carriers. Routes to and from the Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia and North America recorded the sharpest increases, mirroring corporate travel patterns as multinationals restored intra-Asia itineraries and long-haul connections for headquarters in Hong Kong.
![Hong Kong International Airport handles 61 million passengers in 2025, signalling robust recovery]()
For global mobility managers, the numbers translate into more flight options, improved seat availability and fewer price spikes compared with the immediate post-pandemic period. The airport’s three-runway system is on track for full commissioning in late 2026, which AAHK says will lift annual capacity to around 120 million passengers—double 2025 levels—and create additional slots coveted by foreign carriers.
Amid this surge in international travel, ensuring staff have the correct travel documentation remains critical. VisaHQ’s dedicated Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) streamlines visa and entry-permit applications for more than 200 nationalities, giving corporate mobility teams real-time tracking, document checking and concierge support so assignees can seize the new flight opportunities without administrative delays.
HR and relocation teams should expect continued route announcements and competitive fares in 2026, easing employee transfers and short-term assignments. However, with traffic surging, travellers should allow extra time for security and immigration until the new Terminal 2 expansion opens next year.
The rebound was powered by an exceptionally strong festive season: daily throughput exceeded 200,000 passengers for eight consecutive days over Christmas and New Year, while December volumes reached 5.8 million, up 13.5 percent year-on-year. Flight movements climbed 8.7 percent to 394,730 for the year, and cargo tonnage edged up 2.7 percent to just over 5 million tonnes, confirming HKIA’s status as a top Asian freight hub.
AAHK attributed the gains to network rebuilding by Cathay Pacific, HK Express and a growing roster of mainland and regional carriers. Routes to and from the Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia and North America recorded the sharpest increases, mirroring corporate travel patterns as multinationals restored intra-Asia itineraries and long-haul connections for headquarters in Hong Kong.
For global mobility managers, the numbers translate into more flight options, improved seat availability and fewer price spikes compared with the immediate post-pandemic period. The airport’s three-runway system is on track for full commissioning in late 2026, which AAHK says will lift annual capacity to around 120 million passengers—double 2025 levels—and create additional slots coveted by foreign carriers.
Amid this surge in international travel, ensuring staff have the correct travel documentation remains critical. VisaHQ’s dedicated Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) streamlines visa and entry-permit applications for more than 200 nationalities, giving corporate mobility teams real-time tracking, document checking and concierge support so assignees can seize the new flight opportunities without administrative delays.
HR and relocation teams should expect continued route announcements and competitive fares in 2026, easing employee transfers and short-term assignments. However, with traffic surging, travellers should allow extra time for security and immigration until the new Terminal 2 expansion opens next year.
