Hong Kong’s Cathay, Singapore Airlines climb regional punctuality ranking
By Connor Mycroft
Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines improved their regional standing in terms of on-time performance in 2024, with Hong Kong’s flag carrier ranking ninth and its neighbouring rival coming third, a flight intelligence service provider said on Thursday.
Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review showed that while Cathay Pacific had gone up in the regional ranking, its punctuality performance had declined from 2023. Its budget arm, Hong Kong Express, also dropped out of the top 10 low-cost carriers list.
The annual report measures how well airlines and airports adhere to flight schedules.
An airline’s punctuality is based on the percentage of its flights that arrived within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of the scheduled arrival time, while airports are measured based on departure times.
According to the report, Singapore Airlines ranked third in Asia-Pacific in 2024, compared with seventh a year prior. Its on-time performance also improved from 78.57 per cent to 78.67 per cent.
Cathay went up one spot from 10th in 2023 to 9th last year, despite its on-time performance dropping from 76.32 per cent to 75.19 per cent.
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By Connor Mycroft
Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines improved their regional standing in terms of on-time performance in 2024, with Hong Kong’s flag carrier ranking ninth and its neighbouring rival coming third, a flight intelligence service provider said on Thursday.
Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review showed that while Cathay Pacific had gone up in the regional ranking, its punctuality performance had declined from 2023. Its budget arm, Hong Kong Express, also dropped out of the top 10 low-cost carriers list.
The annual report measures how well airlines and airports adhere to flight schedules.
An airline’s punctuality is based on the percentage of its flights that arrived within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of the scheduled arrival time, while airports are measured based on departure times.
According to the report, Singapore Airlines ranked third in Asia-Pacific in 2024, compared with seventh a year prior. Its on-time performance also improved from 78.57 per cent to 78.67 per cent.
Cathay went up one spot from 10th in 2023 to 9th last year, despite its on-time performance dropping from 76.32 per cent to 75.19 per cent.
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Did India plot with Maldives’ opposition to oust Muizzu or is it just a ‘conspiracy theory’?
By Biman Mukherji
India’s alleged role in a plan to oust Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for his perceived pro-China stance would yield little strategic advantage and appears baseless, according to experts who cast doubt on an investigative report that New Delhi considered such a move.
Following the report, published by The Washington Post on December 30, former Maldivian leader Mohamed Nasheed expressed scepticism about the story in a social media post.
“I was unaware of any serious plot against the president, though some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives’ democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either,” he wrote.
The Washington Post report, based on an internal document titled “Democratic Renewal Initiative”, had detailed a plan allegedly hatched by agents of India’s intelligence agency and Maldivian opposition politicians early last year to remove Muizzu from office.
The plot reportedly involved Maldivian opposition politicians proposing to bribe members of parliament to vote to impeach him. The conspirators also reportedly sought 87 million Maldivian rufiyaa (US$5.6 million) to pay off army and police officers and criminal gangs to ensure Muizzu’s removal.
The report went on to say, however, that the plotters did not manage to gather enough votes for impeachment and India did not pursue any attempt to overthrow Muizzu.
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By Biman Mukherji
India’s alleged role in a plan to oust Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for his perceived pro-China stance would yield little strategic advantage and appears baseless, according to experts who cast doubt on an investigative report that New Delhi considered such a move.
Following the report, published by The Washington Post on December 30, former Maldivian leader Mohamed Nasheed expressed scepticism about the story in a social media post.
“I was unaware of any serious plot against the president, though some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives’ democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either,” he wrote.
The Washington Post report, based on an internal document titled “Democratic Renewal Initiative”, had detailed a plan allegedly hatched by agents of India’s intelligence agency and Maldivian opposition politicians early last year to remove Muizzu from office.
The plot reportedly involved Maldivian opposition politicians proposing to bribe members of parliament to vote to impeach him. The conspirators also reportedly sought 87 million Maldivian rufiyaa (US$5.6 million) to pay off army and police officers and criminal gangs to ensure Muizzu’s removal.
The report went on to say, however, that the plotters did not manage to gather enough votes for impeachment and India did not pursue any attempt to overthrow Muizzu.
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Outgoing CUHK head to focus on medical research, remain involved in academia
By Harvey Kong
The outgoing president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has said he will focus on medical research and remain involved in academia after his tenure ends next week.
Rocky Tuan Sung-chi also said that one of the most unforgettable experiences during his tenure was the “unprecedented challenges” brought by the Covid-19 pandemic to the institution, according to remarks published in a university newsletter on Thursday.
The embattled head of the university would be stepping down on January 7 after resigning just days after starting a new term in one year ago, following months of chaos stemming from an overhaul of the institution’s governing body.
Tuan said during his tenure as the university’s vice-chancellor, he had served as the professor of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, taken part in research work and supervised six PhD students.
“After stepping down, I plan to continue these activities to stay updated on the latest developments in academia. I will also take an academic sabbatical to visit overseas institutions [and] explore new projects and ideas,” Tuan said when asked about his plans post-resignation.
The internationally renowned biomedical scientist said he would remain focused on research in stem cells and regenerative medicine, with several projects including studies on nerves and another on pain management that is part of the work at the university’s Peter Hung Pain Research Institute.
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By Harvey Kong
The outgoing president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has said he will focus on medical research and remain involved in academia after his tenure ends next week.
Rocky Tuan Sung-chi also said that one of the most unforgettable experiences during his tenure was the “unprecedented challenges” brought by the Covid-19 pandemic to the institution, according to remarks published in a university newsletter on Thursday.
The embattled head of the university would be stepping down on January 7 after resigning just days after starting a new term in one year ago, following months of chaos stemming from an overhaul of the institution’s governing body.
Tuan said during his tenure as the university’s vice-chancellor, he had served as the professor of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, taken part in research work and supervised six PhD students.
“After stepping down, I plan to continue these activities to stay updated on the latest developments in academia. I will also take an academic sabbatical to visit overseas institutions [and] explore new projects and ideas,” Tuan said when asked about his plans post-resignation.
The internationally renowned biomedical scientist said he would remain focused on research in stem cells and regenerative medicine, with several projects including studies on nerves and another on pain management that is part of the work at the university’s Peter Hung Pain Research Institute.
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Hong Kong retail sales fall for 9 straight months, with 7.3% year-on-year drop in November
By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong’s retail sales dropped for a ninth consecutive month in November, falling by 7.3 per cent year on year.
Provisional estimates from the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday put the total value of retail sales at HK$31.7 billion for the month.
A government spokesman said the value of total retail sales continued to decline “alongside the change in consumption patterns and the relatively strong Hong Kong dollar” – factors that would continue to weigh on the performance of the retail sector.
A breakdown of the provisional data showed the value of sales in apparel had fallen by 7.5 per cent year on year. Sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts also slipped by 5.4 per cent.
Other areas with poor performance included motor vehicles and parts, which were down by 34.4 per cent year on year, and furniture and fixtures, which fell by 20.5 per cent. Sales of Chinese drugs and herbs plummeted by 19.3 per cent, while that of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods also decreased by 18.0 per cent.
Few categories bucked the trend and showed positive growth, with the sale of supermarket goods increasing by 3.5 per cent in November, compared with the same month in 2023.
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By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong’s retail sales dropped for a ninth consecutive month in November, falling by 7.3 per cent year on year.
Provisional estimates from the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday put the total value of retail sales at HK$31.7 billion for the month.
A government spokesman said the value of total retail sales continued to decline “alongside the change in consumption patterns and the relatively strong Hong Kong dollar” – factors that would continue to weigh on the performance of the retail sector.
A breakdown of the provisional data showed the value of sales in apparel had fallen by 7.5 per cent year on year. Sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts also slipped by 5.4 per cent.
Other areas with poor performance included motor vehicles and parts, which were down by 34.4 per cent year on year, and furniture and fixtures, which fell by 20.5 per cent. Sales of Chinese drugs and herbs plummeted by 19.3 per cent, while that of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods also decreased by 18.0 per cent.
Few categories bucked the trend and showed positive growth, with the sale of supermarket goods increasing by 3.5 per cent in November, compared with the same month in 2023.
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Russian leader Putin tells government and top bank to work with China on AI
By Leopold Chen
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for more cooperation with China to develop artificial intelligence, as both nations try to gain a stronger foothold in the new tech frontier amid pressure from the US.
In a Kremlin document dated Monday, Putin ordered the Russian government and the country’s biggest lender Sberbank to “ensure further cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in technological research and development of artificial intelligence”.
He also told the government and the bank, which is leading the development of AI in Russia, to consider publishing an international journal to cover advances in artificial intelligence in the country.
Putin assigned the task to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Sberbank chief executive German Gref, with a progress report expected by April.
It comes three weeks after the AI Journey tech conference was held in Moscow, when Putin said Russia would work with Brics partners and other nations to develop the technology.
“China is making great strides in its technological development and is using vital instruments for its development,” Putin said at the conference on December 11. “Artificial intelligence … is one of these crucial instruments.”
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By Leopold Chen
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for more cooperation with China to develop artificial intelligence, as both nations try to gain a stronger foothold in the new tech frontier amid pressure from the US.
In a Kremlin document dated Monday, Putin ordered the Russian government and the country’s biggest lender Sberbank to “ensure further cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in technological research and development of artificial intelligence”.
He also told the government and the bank, which is leading the development of AI in Russia, to consider publishing an international journal to cover advances in artificial intelligence in the country.
Putin assigned the task to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Sberbank chief executive German Gref, with a progress report expected by April.
It comes three weeks after the AI Journey tech conference was held in Moscow, when Putin said Russia would work with Brics partners and other nations to develop the technology.
“China is making great strides in its technological development and is using vital instruments for its development,” Putin said at the conference on December 11. “Artificial intelligence … is one of these crucial instruments.”
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10 people shot outside New York nightclub, 4 suspects at large
By Associated Press
Ten people were injured in a shooting outside a nightclub in Queens, New York, on Wednesday night, according to the New York police department.
About 15 people were standing outside Amazura nightclub at 11.15pm in Jamaica when four men on foot approached the group of 16 to 20 year olds who were waiting to get into a private event. Three to four men opened fired on the group, chief of patrol Philip Rivera said during an early Thursday press conference.
About 30 shots were fired before the gunmen fled on foot. They were then seen getting into a light coloured Sedan with out of state plates.
There is “zero tolerance for these senseless shootings”, Rivera said.
Six women and four men were taken to area hospitals with non life threatening injuries, he said. All the victims were expected to survive.
A massive police presence and several ambulances could be seen outside Amazura in footage posted on social media.
The motive was not immediately known but Rivera said, “This is not terrorism.”
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By Associated Press
Ten people were injured in a shooting outside a nightclub in Queens, New York, on Wednesday night, according to the New York police department.
About 15 people were standing outside Amazura nightclub at 11.15pm in Jamaica when four men on foot approached the group of 16 to 20 year olds who were waiting to get into a private event. Three to four men opened fired on the group, chief of patrol Philip Rivera said during an early Thursday press conference.
About 30 shots were fired before the gunmen fled on foot. They were then seen getting into a light coloured Sedan with out of state plates.
There is “zero tolerance for these senseless shootings”, Rivera said.
Six women and four men were taken to area hospitals with non life threatening injuries, he said. All the victims were expected to survive.
A massive police presence and several ambulances could be seen outside Amazura in footage posted on social media.
The motive was not immediately known but Rivera said, “This is not terrorism.”
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China slaps dual-use export ban on 28 US defence contractors
By SCMP Reporter
China has banned the export of dual-use products to 28 US defence contractors, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
More to follow …
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By SCMP Reporter
China has banned the export of dual-use products to 28 US defence contractors, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
More to follow …
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Chinese team finds blood pressure medication shows promise for treating rare brain tumour
By Victoria Bela
Chinese researchers have found that treatment for an invasive, noncancerous brain tumour that causes complications including diabetes could lie in a cheap medication often prescribed for high blood pressure.
Using animal models that recreate human craniopharyngioma – a rare slow-growing tumour that affects the hypothalamus or pituitary gland – the team was able to investigate its growth and potential treatment options. They shared their findings in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Translational Medicine last month.
“Our research provides important ideas for the development of cancer drugs,” said study lead Wu Qingfeng, a principal investigator at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology.
According to Wu, the study could inform future work on identifying cell origins and gene mutations, the construction of animal models, high-throughput drug screening to identify potential treatments and the use of reverse translational research to study the mechanism of tumour growth.
Craniopharyngioma patients can have a wide range of symptoms, including morbid obesity, diabetes, visual effects and decreased hormone secretion, either due to the growth of the tumour or as a result of treatment.
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for the brain tumour, however it can come at a risk of complications and recurrence. This has made the tumour a challenge not only for neurosurgeons, but also endocrinologists.
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By Victoria Bela
Chinese researchers have found that treatment for an invasive, noncancerous brain tumour that causes complications including diabetes could lie in a cheap medication often prescribed for high blood pressure.
Using animal models that recreate human craniopharyngioma – a rare slow-growing tumour that affects the hypothalamus or pituitary gland – the team was able to investigate its growth and potential treatment options. They shared their findings in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Translational Medicine last month.
“Our research provides important ideas for the development of cancer drugs,” said study lead Wu Qingfeng, a principal investigator at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology.
According to Wu, the study could inform future work on identifying cell origins and gene mutations, the construction of animal models, high-throughput drug screening to identify potential treatments and the use of reverse translational research to study the mechanism of tumour growth.
Craniopharyngioma patients can have a wide range of symptoms, including morbid obesity, diabetes, visual effects and decreased hormone secretion, either due to the growth of the tumour or as a result of treatment.
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for the brain tumour, however it can come at a risk of complications and recurrence. This has made the tumour a challenge not only for neurosurgeons, but also endocrinologists.
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China’s yuan hits 2-year low, Asian currency pressure rises, as US dollar strengthens
By Sylvia Ma
With the offshore yuan having plunged to its lowest level in more than two years against the US dollar as Donald Trump’s return to the White House nears, analysts forecast prolonged pressure on Asian currencies amid heightened global uncertainties and renewed tariff threats.
On the last trading day in 2024, the yuan touched 7.3698 per US dollar and reached its weakest level since October 2022, when the rate surpassed 7.37, according to Chinese financial data provider Wind. A higher number means it takes more yuan to purchase one dollar, signalling relative yuan weakness.
The onshore yuan has remained relatively steady, testing the 7.3 level multiple times last month without breaking it, according to Wind.
On Thursday morning, the People’s Bank of China set the midpoint rate – also known as the fixing rate – at 7.1879 per US dollar, the strongest level so far in this week, while the offshore yuan was trading at around 7.322 to the US dollar on Thursday afternoon.
The yuan is not alone in feeling the pressure, as other Asian currencies have also taken a hit due to the strengthening of the safe-haven US dollar. Expectations for a strong US dollar are enhanced because the US Federal Reserve is expected to slow the pace of rate cuts this year, and Trump’s forthcoming trade policies could heighten uncertainties.
The Japanese yen dipped below the 158 mark against the US dollar near the end of last year, hitting a five-month low, while Vietnam’s currency declined to a record low, trading at more than 25,480 against the dollar by year’s end.
Similarly, the South Korean won fell to over 1,480 per US dollar, reaching its weakest point in 15 years amid domestic political turmoil.
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By Sylvia Ma
With the offshore yuan having plunged to its lowest level in more than two years against the US dollar as Donald Trump’s return to the White House nears, analysts forecast prolonged pressure on Asian currencies amid heightened global uncertainties and renewed tariff threats.
On the last trading day in 2024, the yuan touched 7.3698 per US dollar and reached its weakest level since October 2022, when the rate surpassed 7.37, according to Chinese financial data provider Wind. A higher number means it takes more yuan to purchase one dollar, signalling relative yuan weakness.
The onshore yuan has remained relatively steady, testing the 7.3 level multiple times last month without breaking it, according to Wind.
On Thursday morning, the People’s Bank of China set the midpoint rate – also known as the fixing rate – at 7.1879 per US dollar, the strongest level so far in this week, while the offshore yuan was trading at around 7.322 to the US dollar on Thursday afternoon.
The yuan is not alone in feeling the pressure, as other Asian currencies have also taken a hit due to the strengthening of the safe-haven US dollar. Expectations for a strong US dollar are enhanced because the US Federal Reserve is expected to slow the pace of rate cuts this year, and Trump’s forthcoming trade policies could heighten uncertainties.
The Japanese yen dipped below the 158 mark against the US dollar near the end of last year, hitting a five-month low, while Vietnam’s currency declined to a record low, trading at more than 25,480 against the dollar by year’s end.
Similarly, the South Korean won fell to over 1,480 per US dollar, reaching its weakest point in 15 years amid domestic political turmoil.
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Hong Kong visitor numbers over holidays up 7.5%, but offset by departures
By Kahon ChanWinnie WongJohnny Wan
Hong Kong recorded a 7.5 per cent increase in visitor numbers over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but local businesses continued to complain of lacklustre sales as outbound trips made by city residents also rose by 10 per cent.
Local residents and visitors made a total of 12.41 million trips across all border checkpoints between December 21 and January 1, 15 per cent higher than the same 12-day period a year before, according to official statistics.
But the tally fell short of the Immigration Department’s forecast by 5 per cent.
There were 1.77 million visitor arrivals in the latest holiday period, 7.5 per cent higher than the 1.65 million recorded the last time around.
The most recent holiday’s tally of 1.28 million mainland tourists represented a 3.5 per cent year-on-year increase. The 496,166 foreign arrivals also increased by nearly a fifth from a year ago.
The uptick in visitors has been a boon for some establishments that had a good reputation among mainland residents.
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By Kahon ChanWinnie WongJohnny Wan
Hong Kong recorded a 7.5 per cent increase in visitor numbers over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but local businesses continued to complain of lacklustre sales as outbound trips made by city residents also rose by 10 per cent.
Local residents and visitors made a total of 12.41 million trips across all border checkpoints between December 21 and January 1, 15 per cent higher than the same 12-day period a year before, according to official statistics.
But the tally fell short of the Immigration Department’s forecast by 5 per cent.
There were 1.77 million visitor arrivals in the latest holiday period, 7.5 per cent higher than the 1.65 million recorded the last time around.
The most recent holiday’s tally of 1.28 million mainland tourists represented a 3.5 per cent year-on-year increase. The 496,166 foreign arrivals also increased by nearly a fifth from a year ago.
The uptick in visitors has been a boon for some establishments that had a good reputation among mainland residents.
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Malaysian blames fatigue from watching fireworks after being caught with masseuse in hotel
By The Star
A 60-year-old Malaysian businessman has cited exhaustion from watching the New Year fireworks display at Bandar Hilir in Melaka state as the reason he wound up being caught in a hotel room with a masseuse during a religious department operation.
State education, higher education and religious affairs committee chairman Rahmad Mariman said the man, who is married, was detained with a 42-year-old woman from Thailand during the anti-vice operation between 12.30am and 4.30am on Wednesday.
“The man, a local, admitted that he met up with the woman, who works as a masseuse at a massage centre in the city centre.
“He claimed he had no choice but to stay with the Thai woman at the hotel because he was too tired to return home after watching the fireworks display,” he told the media.
Rahmad said the duo was among 13 people – seven men and six women aged between 21 and 60 – detained during the operation.
It involved 42 enforcement officers who inspected 17 hotels around the city centre and Alor Gajah based on public tip-offs and intelligence.
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By The Star
A 60-year-old Malaysian businessman has cited exhaustion from watching the New Year fireworks display at Bandar Hilir in Melaka state as the reason he wound up being caught in a hotel room with a masseuse during a religious department operation.
State education, higher education and religious affairs committee chairman Rahmad Mariman said the man, who is married, was detained with a 42-year-old woman from Thailand during the anti-vice operation between 12.30am and 4.30am on Wednesday.
“The man, a local, admitted that he met up with the woman, who works as a masseuse at a massage centre in the city centre.
“He claimed he had no choice but to stay with the Thai woman at the hotel because he was too tired to return home after watching the fireworks display,” he told the media.
Rahmad said the duo was among 13 people – seven men and six women aged between 21 and 60 – detained during the operation.
It involved 42 enforcement officers who inspected 17 hotels around the city centre and Alor Gajah based on public tip-offs and intelligence.
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New Orleans attack, Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion raise US security fears
By Bloomberg
A gruesome attack on revellers celebrating New Year’s in New Orleans thrust US domestic security back into the spotlight less than a month before Donald Trump is sworn in as president.
The tragedy, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more, set off panic in the historic French Quarter and postponed events, including a major football game. Hours later, a deadly explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside of President-elect Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas further rattled Americans ringing in 2025.
The incidents, which are both being probed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, prompted statements from Trump, US President Joe Biden and other senior US officials. Elon Musk also weighed in, saying that the Cybertruck explosion appeared likely to be terrorism and that it could be linked to the New Orleans attack.
Trump said his incoming administration would help New Orleans as it investigates and recovers from what he called an act of “pure evil”.
Trump, who is set to be sworn in on January 20, has often blamed undocumented immigrants for crime in the US. The suspect in Wednesday’s attack in New Orleans was an American and served in the US Army.
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By Bloomberg
A gruesome attack on revellers celebrating New Year’s in New Orleans thrust US domestic security back into the spotlight less than a month before Donald Trump is sworn in as president.
The tragedy, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more, set off panic in the historic French Quarter and postponed events, including a major football game. Hours later, a deadly explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside of President-elect Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas further rattled Americans ringing in 2025.
The incidents, which are both being probed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, prompted statements from Trump, US President Joe Biden and other senior US officials. Elon Musk also weighed in, saying that the Cybertruck explosion appeared likely to be terrorism and that it could be linked to the New Orleans attack.
Trump said his incoming administration would help New Orleans as it investigates and recovers from what he called an act of “pure evil”.
Trump, who is set to be sworn in on January 20, has often blamed undocumented immigrants for crime in the US. The suspect in Wednesday’s attack in New Orleans was an American and served in the US Army.
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Hong Kong’s air passenger traffic soars to pre-pandemic levels over Christmas
By Sammy Heung
Hong Kong’s daily air passenger traffic has reached more than 180,000 on average during the Christmas period and returned to pre-pandemic levels, the transport minister has said as she pledged to increase flight frequency.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Thursday that during the Christmas holiday, the number of flight movements on a single day peaked at about 1,150, which was close to the average figure before the pandemic.
“During the Christmas period in 2024, our average passenger traffic was more than 180,000 per day. On December 21, the single-day peak was 190,000. It has returned to pre-pandemic levels,” Chan told a radio programme.
“The Airport Authority will actively increase the number of flights. The Transport and Logistics Bureau will also take a proactive and open attitude to do our best to remove the restrictions in terms of on our air services agreements, so that we can add new locations and frequencies of flights.”
The Airport Authority earlier expected the daily passenger traffic would reach a pre-pandemic peak of around 200,000 people during Christmas.
In December 2023, the authority said that passenger traffic had recovered to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Over 160,000 passengers were handled daily by the airport on both December 22 and 23. The flight movements that month had peaked at 1,034 in a single day.
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By Sammy Heung
Hong Kong’s daily air passenger traffic has reached more than 180,000 on average during the Christmas period and returned to pre-pandemic levels, the transport minister has said as she pledged to increase flight frequency.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Thursday that during the Christmas holiday, the number of flight movements on a single day peaked at about 1,150, which was close to the average figure before the pandemic.
“During the Christmas period in 2024, our average passenger traffic was more than 180,000 per day. On December 21, the single-day peak was 190,000. It has returned to pre-pandemic levels,” Chan told a radio programme.
“The Airport Authority will actively increase the number of flights. The Transport and Logistics Bureau will also take a proactive and open attitude to do our best to remove the restrictions in terms of on our air services agreements, so that we can add new locations and frequencies of flights.”
The Airport Authority earlier expected the daily passenger traffic would reach a pre-pandemic peak of around 200,000 people during Christmas.
In December 2023, the authority said that passenger traffic had recovered to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Over 160,000 passengers were handled daily by the airport on both December 22 and 23. The flight movements that month had peaked at 1,034 in a single day.
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