Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported a 10.8% increase in passenger traffic, to 4.2 million, and a 10.1% rise in cargo throughput, to 334,000 tonnes, in March 2008. Air traffic movements reached 25,745, 6.8% higher than March 2007.

On March 21, the first day of the Easter holidays, HKIA handled a record 945 aircraft movements.

Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, "Easter is traditionally one of our busiest periods. This year was no exception, as holiday departures by Hong Kong residents drove growth in passenger traffic. Meanwhile, exports to Europe and North America spurred cargo growth."

During the first three months of 2008, HKIA handled 12.1 million passengers, an increase of 10.5% from the same period a year earlier. Cargo traffic increased 8.3%, to 876,000 tonnes, and air traffic movements grew 6.3%, to 74,305.

Mr Hui added, "We are encouraged by the robust growth in air traffic during the first quarter. Nevertheless, our outlook for the months ahead remains cautiously optimistic in view of the prospect of a slowdown in the US economy."

For the 12 months ended March 31, 2008, HKIA served 48.9 million passengers, handled 3.8 million tonnes of cargo and saw 299,725 air traffic movements. These figures represented year-on-year increases of 8.5%, 6.5% and 5.9%, respectively.