HKIA Gears Up for Lunar New Year Holidays
Airport Authority Hong Kong | Feb. 11, 2007
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is preparing for the annual Lunar New Year rush, when about 800 extra passenger flights are scheduled to depart and arrive between February 13 and March 1. The number of departing passenger flights is expected to peak on February 18, the first day of the Lunar New Year, when additional flights will comprise more than 10% of the day's total.
Airport Authority Hong Kong's Commercial Director Hans Bakker said, "Facilities in Terminal 1 approach saturation during Lunar New Year and other peak travel periods. The phased opening of Terminal 2 (T2) allows us to better serve existing traffic and meet future demand. T2's added capacity, and its exciting range of shopping, dining and entertainment options, strengthens HKIA's position as a regional and international aviation hub."
From February 12 to February 25, the "God of Fortune" will be greeting passengers. Traditional lion dance will also be performed to bring good luck and happiness to local and international travellers. Children can unleash their arts and crafts talents at the handicraft workshops before boarding.
Throughput reached 3.53 million passengers and 271,000 tonnes of cargo in January 2007, an increase of 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively, over January 2006. Aircraft movements rose 2.0%, to 23,600. January 2006 was particularly busy as the Lunar New Year fell in that month, partially accounting for the modest year-on-year growth.
In the past 12 months, passenger traffic rose to 44.48 million, 7.9% higher than the same period last year. Cargo throughput and aircraft movements rose 4.6% and 5.5%, to 3.58 million tonnes and 281,000, respectively.