For the 14th time since 2010
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has once again claimed the top spot as the world’s busiest cargo airport, according to the latest rankings released by Airports Council International (ACI) World. The 2024 report confirms that HKIA handled an impressive 4.9 million tonnes of air freight over the past year, reaffirming the city’s role as a global logistics powerhouse.
This marks the 14th time since 2010 that the airport has earned the title, reflecting its unwavering dominance in the air cargo sector. The achievement reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a critical player in international trade and logistics, driven by its strategic location, world-class facilities and commitment to continuous innovation.
Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, expressed pride in the airport’s continued success. She highlighted the accomplishment as a result of the city’s dedication to enhancing cargo services through investment, collaboration, and future-focused development.
“We are proud to be consistently named the world’s busiest cargo airport over the years,” said Cheung. “This demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our cargo services by striving for innovation and seizing opportunities. Alongside commissioning the Three-Runway System, we also see new cargo handling facilities established at the airport.”
She added that collaboration with stakeholders across the logistics sector remains key to maintaining the airport’s global leadership. “We will continue to work with the air cargo community to leverage the unique advantages at HKIA, strengthen our resilience amid the economic uncertainties and challenges, and reinforce HKIA as the world’s leading aviation hub.”
Cathay Cargo, HKIA’s primary cargo operator, has welcomed the recognition and celebrated its role in the airport’s success. The airline carried 1.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2024 alone, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year, accounting for approximately 31 per cent of the total cargo volume handled by HKIA.
Tom Owen, Director Cargo at Cathay, praised the airport’s achievement and underlined the importance of industry-wide cooperation in maintaining excellence. “That Hong Kong has once again been named number one in the world for air cargo is an outstanding achievement and one that stands as testament to the cooperation, innovation and world-leading facilities that our home hub has to offer,” Owen said.
He noted that Cathay Cargo’s continued growth strategy is aligned with Hong Kong’s ambition to remain a world leader in aviation and logistics. “As the largest cargo operator at HKIA, we are proud to be part of this success story. We won’t rest on our laurels, however, and our investments into our fleet, network, facilities and digital capabilities reflect our commitment to, and our confidence in, the long-term future of the Hong Kong international aviation and logistics hub.”
Top 10 air cargo carriers
Cathay Cargo ranks among the top 10 air cargo carriers globally based on scheduled cargo tonne kilometres (CTK). According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 2023 World Air Transport Statistics, it holds the fifth position as a combination airline. The airline continues to expand its scheduled freighter services, reaching over 40 destinations worldwide. Additionally, it utilises the belly capacity of Cathay Group’s passenger aircraft to transport goods across its global network.
The company’s cargo operations have become a critical component of Hong Kong’s economy, helping to facilitate the movement of goods across key international trade routes. Cathay’s success is closely tied to the efficiency and reputation of HKIA, which continues to set the global standard for cargo excellence.
Cathay is supporting the development of Hong Kong’s aviation sector with a multi-billion-dollar investment strategy. More than HK$100 billion is being committed to modernising its fleet and infrastructure, including acquisitions of next-generation freighter aircraft. As part of this initiative, the airline has already begun taking delivery of over 100 new aircraft, including six Airbus A350F freighters, with options for 20 more in the future. These aircraft will enhance the airline’s operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and cargo handling capabilities.
This fleet expansion coincides with HKIA’s transformation, most notably through the completion of its new Three-Runway System, a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting capacity and improving connectivity. The synergy between HKIA’s infrastructure advancements and Cathay’s fleet investments positions the city to capture increasing demand in the air freight market over the coming decade.
Cathay Cargo’s contributions to the sector were further recognised last month when the airline was named Cargo Operator of the Year by Air Transport World, a major accolade in the global aviation industry. The award adds to Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a leader in international logistics and air cargo services.
The back-to-back recognition for both HKIA and Cathay Cargo showcases the effectiveness of their collaborative approach and their shared commitment to innovation, resilience, and operational excellence.
As the global economy continues to shift toward e-commerce and high-value goods, along with just-in-time supply chains, air freight will remain a critical mode of transportation. Even in the face of economic headwinds, Hong Kong’s ability to maintain its leadership in this arena demonstrates a clear competitive advantage built on infrastructure, experience and a forward-thinking vision.
Image: The latest achievement reinforces Hong Kong International Airport’s position as a critical player in international trade and logistics. Credit: Cathay Pacific
