Asia's top airport handles 49 million passengers in nine months

Hong Kong International Airport, voted Asia's leading airport for a fourth consecutive year at the 2026 World Travel Awards, served 49.1 million passengers in the first nine months of this year, up 10.1% year-on-year.

The increase was largely driven by a double-digit rise in transfer and transit passengers, China Daily reported.

In September alone, the airport handled 4.86 million passengers, a 10.2% increase from the same month last year, according to Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).

Most regional markets registered growth, with the Chinese mainland making the strongest contribution.

The decline in passenger traffic from the Middle East continued to moderate, AAHK said.

Tourism also showed strong momentum, with Hong Kong welcoming 4.03 million tourists during September, up 22% from a year earlier, fueled by the Mid-Autumn Festival and other events.

The city attracted 40.7 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 12% year-on-year.

Hong Kong Airport has recently upgraded its services and infrastructure as part of efforts to improve passenger services.

In May, the airport opened its second passenger terminal as part of a US$14.5 billion expansion aimed at strengthening its position against global aviation hubs including Singapore Changi and Dubai International Airport.