Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is once again named as the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2022, handling a total of 4.2 million tonnes of cargo during the year, according to the latest data released by Airports Council International (ACI).

HKIA retained the top position in 2022 despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and supply chains that caused a decrease in overall air cargo volume globally.

An array of projects are currently underway to enhance air cargo services at HKIA, in parallel with the expansion into a three-runway system. Major projects include the expansion of DHL’s Central Asia Hub to increase its handling capacity by 50% which was already completed for operation in the first quarter in 2023; the development of a premium logistics centre by a joint venture spearheaded by Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, Cainiao Network, scheduled to complete this year; and the introduction of new sea-air intermodal cargo transshipment model by setting up HKIA Logistics Park in Dongguan and a new airside intermodal cargo pier at HKIA, for which the pilot scheme has been running smoothly.

HKIA is one of the few airports in the world with its cargo terminal operators and ramp handling operators attaining the International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV standards for transport of cargo that requires special handling, including CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh or CEIV Live Animals.

Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “We are proud that HKIA retains its leading position as the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2022. Despite the impact brought to the global aviation industry by the pandemic, HKIA’s cargo performance has consistently remained strong over the past few years, leveraging its extensive network and high efficiency. As air traffic continues to recover worldwide, coupled with the completion of various new cargo facilities at HKIA, we will continue to work with our business partners to consolidate HKIA’s role as the world’s leading air cargo hub.”