During the peak air traffic flow of the Lunar New Year (LNY), the flight movements handled by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) hit new records. Over 2 300 daily flight movements were handled for 11 consecutive days (January 23 to February 2). The CAD handled 2 467 flights yesterday (February 2), setting a new single-day record.
The previous single-day record of 2 341 flight movements was recorded on August 24, 2017, after Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) resumed flight operation after the passing of Super Typhoon Hato. Entering 2019, the CAD broke the record on January 18 by handling 2 342 flights. In the run-up to the LNY, flight movements handled by the CAD reached new records. The CAD handled 2 359, 2 409 and 2 444 flights on January 24, January 25 and February 1 respectively. A new single-day record of 2 467 flights was set yesterday, including 1 226 flight movements at HKIA and 1 241 overflights (which is also a new record for the highest number of overflights handled).
Between January 23 to February 2 (the 18th to 28th day of the last Lunar month), the CAD handled about 2 380 flights per day on average (including flight movements at HKIA and overflights), representing an increase of about five per cent when compared with 2 265 flights over the corresponding period a year earlier.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Simon Li, today (February 3) expressed his gratitude to CAD's air traffic control (ATC) officers who provide professional and efficient ATC service as always despite the heavy work.
"This year, the number of flights handled by the CAD saw a significant increase around two weeks before the LNY, showing the strong demand for air traffic. The extra flights were mostly operated to destinations in Japan, Korea and the Mainland. The CAD has deployed additional staff to cater for the seasonal demand to maintain safe, smooth and orderly air traffic service during the festive periods," Mr Li said.