Hong Kong authorities have approved 820 additional flights and fast-tracked 4,100 adjustment applications to help airlines respond to sudden surges in passenger and cargo demand amid the Middle East conflict.
“We are actively engaging airlines to encourage them to deploy extra cargo capacity to connect Hong Kong International Airport with destinations currently experiencing service shortfalls due to the Middle East situation,” Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan told the Legislative Council on Wednesday.
US and Israeli strikes on Iran since late February have driven up global fuel prices and disrupted air transport.
Advertisement
Chan highlighted the city’s efficient and transparent flight approval process, which enables airlines to respond swiftly to passenger and cargo demand arising from the disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
The Civil Aviation Department has approved about 820 additional flight applications and expedited around 4,100 flight adjustment applications since early March.
Her remarks came after lawmaker Ben Chan Han-pan questioned whether rising fuel surcharges could undermine the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s air cargo industry.
Advertisement