Hong Kong signs aviation deals with over 80 per cent of EU states, says transport chief
Hong Kong's transport chief says the city has bilateral aviation arrangements with over 80 per cent of EU members. A new incentive programme has helped add 95 new routes, while cargo throughput rose 2.7 per cent in 2024 and extra weekly freighter flights have been added.
Hong Kong has signed bilateral aviation arrangements with over 80 per cent of European Union member states, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan told the Legislative Council on 28 October.
Chan said the city has deepened cooperation with Luxembourg and Malta in recent years. Despite global aircraft shortages, the government is proactively launching policies to unlock the full potential of Hong Kong International Airport.
In 2024, the Airport Authority Hong Kong launched the Air Network Development Programme, which offers financial incentives to encourage airlines to launch new routes. To date, the scheme has attracted 40 airlines to launch 95 new routes spanning five continents, while also increasing the frequency of 15 existing routes.
The airport's annual cargo throughput reached 5.07 million tonnes in 2024, a 2.7 per cent year-on-year increase. Cargo volume rose 3.3 per cent during the first three quarters of this year compared to the same period in 2024.
The Freighter Network Development Programme, implemented in March, has attracted 14 airlines, adding 80 extra weekly cargo flights to the airport's network.