Hong Kong International Airport Attracts New Routes

The airport is offering lucrative incentives to airlines as it looks to grow its post-pandemic route portfolio.

A Cathay Pacific A350 in San Francisco (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Airports ]July 17, 2024 10:18 am ET

By Pete Ainsley

Hong Kong has launched a new campaign to strengthen its position as an international aviation hub. Every eligible flight operation is expected to be given HK$10,000 to HK$20,000 ($1,280 -2,560) in incentives.

Under the new program, airlines operating to new or expanded American and European destinations could be granted the incentive for three years. On the other hand, airlines launching new routes are eligible to be awarded the incentive for up to two years.

Low-cost carriers are expected to stand to benefit from the new policies. South Korea’s Jin Air, Taiwan’s StarLux Airlines, and HK Express are taking advantage of the new program, launching new regional services in the near future.

“Air network connectivity is pivotal to an international aviation hub like Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). While we are confident in HKIA’s development in the long term, the new program serves to encourage home-based and foreign airlines to bring forward their launch of new routes and/or increase in frequency of flights connecting to HKIA,” Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said.

According to HKIA, the airport currently serves 220 destinations with 120 airlines, a figure close to 2019. However, Hong Kong was left behind after the pandemic, the vibrant hub handled 4.07 million passengers in May, compared to 6.2 million during the same time in 2019.

Cathay Pacific Steps Up in 2025

The city struggles to expand its network, especially long-haul flight operations to compete with other airports in the region. The airport launched the new program to entice airlines as a result. Meanwhile, airfare is skyrocketed after the pandemic; more flight options can let passengers travel without breaking the bank.

Cathay Pacific plays a key role in the city’s aviation industry. The airline cancelled some long-haul flights in response to the pandemic, such as Washington, Seattle, and London Gatwick. However, there is no sign of resuming these routes thus far.

The airline currently operates 80% of its pre-pandemic passenger flights, expecting to reach 100% capacity within the first quarter of 2025. Last month, the group welcomed back its last aircraft from long-term overseas parking.