Passenger traffic projections for Hong Kong have been upgraded by Iata to now see a recovery to pre-Covid crisis levels by the end of 2024.
The revision brings Hong Kong’s recovery in line with expectations for a faster rebound in the Asia-Pacific region.
The revised forecast came amid the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government’s efforts to ease the city’s labour crunch in the aviation sector.
The Hong Kong government introduced a labour importation scheme to ramp-up the airport workforce by 6,300 workers from mainland China.
Airlines in Hong Kong have been struggling with supply chain issues and a labour shortage while demand for air travel has been strong, according to the airline trade body.
Director general Willie Walsh said: “The situation is looking bright for Hong Kong. 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. And it is encouraging to see the Hong Kong government preparing for this with measures to ensure that the workers needed to support the recovery are available.”
He added: “The last three years have been devastating for the aviation sector. 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.”
Walsh is due to meet various partners for discussions as part of a Hong Kong aviation event on August 2-3 co-organised with the Airport Authority Hong Kong.