What Changed
- Hong Kong has concluded 87 bilateral air services documents, covering over 80 per cent of EU member states and expanding emerging market rights.
- AAHK's Air Network Development Programme attracted 40 airlines launching 95 new routes as of September 2026.
- HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park handled over RMB 57 billion during its pilot program ahead of full commercial operations in June next year.
### Background and Legislative Inquiry Context
On October 28, 2026, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics of Hong Kong, Ms Mable Chan, delivered an official response in the Legislative Council to an inquiry by the Hon Kenneth Fok regarding strategies to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub.
While the full commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS) has increased Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) annual handling capacity to 120 million passenger trips and 10 million tonnes of cargo, passenger throughput recovery continues to lag compared to cargo performance. Official figures presented during the Legislative Council session indicate that while cargo volumes have maintained world-leading growth, passenger throughput had recovered to less than 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. To address this, the Hong Kong SAR Government is utilizing the framework set out in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan—aligning with Mainland China's 15th Five-Year Plan outline—to achieve a target of expanding HKIA's global network to 240 destinations within five years.
### Bilateral Air Traffic Rights and Expansion Strategy
To expand global network coverage, the Government adopts a policy-led approach to optimize the allocation of air traffic rights. To date, Hong Kong has signed 87 bilateral air services documents. Partner selection balances existing traffic volume with strategic value, targeting resource-rich countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Kazakhstan, as well as emerging commercial markets across South America, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Regarding European markets, Hong Kong has established bilateral air services arrangements with over 80 per cent of European Union (EU) member states, including all major member nations. Recent updates include updated or expanded bilateral arrangements with Luxembourg and Malta, and a newly concluded bilateral air services agreement with Poland. The Government stated it will continue to work with EU member states to deepen bilateral relationships. Furthermore, to translate negotiations into operational coverage, a local airline is scheduled to launch direct flights to Kazakhstan in January next year.
### Operational Incentives and Airline Attraction Programs
To address global aircraft shortages and encourage route expansion, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) launched the Air Network Development Programme in June 2024. The scheme offers financial incentives to encourage carriers to introduce new long-haul and short-haul routes and increase frequencies on existing routes.
As of the end of September 2026, the programme attracted 40 airlines to launch 95 new routes spanning five continents, while increasing flight frequencies on 15 existing routes. Key international carriers resuming flight services to HKIA include Etihad Airways (connecting to Abu Dhabi) and Delta Air Lines (connecting to Los Angeles). Additionally, AAHK signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Uzbekistan's Fly Khiva Group to build passenger and cargo networks.
### Air Cargo Leadership and Strategic Five-Pillar Framework
Hong Kong International Airport was named the world's busiest cargo airport in 2025, marking the 15th time it has earned this distinction since 2010. Annual cargo volume reached 5.07 million tonnes in 2025, representing a 2.7 per cent year-over-year growth. Performance remained steady in the first three quarters of 2026, rising 3.3 per cent year-over-year to 3.78 million tonnes.
To consolidate this leading position, the Government is implementing five major development goals:
1. Establishing air logistics super-highways;
2. Leading the efficient operation of innovative intermodal transport;
3. Promoting the diversification of the air cargo structure;
4. Integrating deeply with and aligning to the reshaping of supply chains; and
5. Digitalising air cargo processes.
Under the Freighter Network Development Programme launched by AAHK in March 2026, 14 airlines were incentivized within six months to add a total of 80 weekly freighter flights. In addition, Qatar Airways Cargo relocated its regional headquarters to Hong Kong in August 2026 and signed an MOU with AAHK to increase flight frequencies and open new routes.
### Intermodal Logistics and Greater Bay Area Integration
Cross-border integration with Mainland China remains central to Hong Kong's logistics development. AAHK is developing the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park to transport air cargo from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to HKIA for processing. During its pilot phase, the park handled cargo with a cumulative value exceeding RMB 57 billion. Commercial operations at the park are scheduled to commence in June next year.
To facilitate fresh product trade, AAHK, together with relevant departments in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, launched the "Air-Land Fresh Lane." This initiative streamlines customs clearance and quarantine procedures to accelerate the delivery of fresh goods into the GBA market.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: What global destination target has been set for Hong Kong International Airport?**
**A1:** Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan sets a target to increase the number of HKIA's global destinations to 240 within five years.
**Q2: What results were achieved under the Air Network Development Programme by late September 2026?**
**A2:** As of end-September 2026, the programme attracted 40 airlines to launch 95 new routes covering five continents and enabled flight frequency increases on 15 existing routes.
**Q3: What was Hong Kong's air cargo throughput performance in 2025 and 2026?**
**A3:** HKIA handled 5.07 million tonnes of cargo in 2025 (a 2.7 per cent YoY increase). In the first three quarters of 2026, cargo throughput reached 3.78 million tonnes (a 3.3 per cent YoY increase).
**Q4: When will the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park begin full commercial operations?**
**A4:** The HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park will commence commercial operations in June next year, following a pilot phase that handled cargo valued over RMB 57 billion.
**Q5: What is the status of Hong Kong's air service arrangements with European Union member states?**
**A5:** Hong Kong has established bilateral air services arrangements with over 80 per cent of EU member states, including recent updates with Luxembourg and Malta, and a new agreement with Poland.
Who May Be Affected
Airlines, air cargo operators, freight forwarders, aviation business professionals, and passengers traveling via Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China, Europe, and global routes.
Cross-Border Context
Deepening logistical integration between Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong Province (Dongguan), combined with air services agreements spanning EU member states, Central Asia, South America, and the Middle East.
What to check next
- Track the launch of direct flights to Kazakhstan scheduled for January next year.
- Monitor the commercial opening of the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park set for June next year.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.