IATA has upgraded its passenger traffic recovery projection for Hong Kong, just as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government makes a move on easing labour crunch in the aviation sector.
IATA now expect to see a recovery to pre-crisis levels by the end of 2024. This revision brings Hong Kong’s recovery in line with expectations for a faster recovery in the Asia-Pacific region.
“China’s earlier than expected reopening is providing a much-needed boost to the passenger recovery. By the end of 2024, we expect to see Hong Kong’s traffic return to pre-crisis levels,” said Willie Walsh, director general, IATA.
The Hong Kong government introduced a labour importation scheme to ramp-up the airport workforce with 6,300 workers from mainland China. While demand for air travel has been strong, airlines in Hong Kong have been struggling with supply chain issues and a staff shortage.
Walsh shared: “As we look ahead to the recovery and prepare for future growth, it is important that the entire Hong Kong aviation community, including airlines, airport, regulator, and government, work together to address the challenges and are well prepared to tap on future opportunities.”
In addition, IATA and the Airport Authority Hong Kong have teamed up to organise the Hong Kong Aviation Day, which will be held from August 2 to 3 this year.
