An average of about 200 passenger flights per week have resumed services at
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in June.
According to a press release from the HKIA, the number of re-instated flights
is expected to further increase in July with an additional 270 weekly flight
movements already confirmed to be back in the month's flight schedule.
Airlines include Air India, Gulf Air, Mekong Airlines, Pacific Airline and
Turkish Airlines that have earlier suspended services to Hong Kong will resume
flights in July, bringing more frequencies back to serve travelers.
Since the Airport Authority (AA) announced its revitalization package to
stimulate traffic growth on May 25, passenger numbers and aircraft movements
have been showing signs of recovery. "We are glad to see that our
revitalization package is showing effect. The Airport Authority will continue to
work closely with our airline partners to speed up the rate of growth," said the
AA spokesman.
"The traffic statistics show that the full impact of severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS) was reflected in May. The precautionary measures taken by the
authority and its business partners to maintain a healthy, safe and secure
airport have helped restore confidence on air travel through HKIA," he said.
He added that the impact of SARS though substantial is only temporary and by
no means will it weaken Hong Kong's position in global aviation. The HKIA's hub
status is further strengthened by the recent announcement by Airport Council
International to relocate its Pacific Regional Office to the city, shortly
followedby the award of Best Airport of the Year to the HKIA for the thirdyear
running.
