Cargo and flight data fall at local airport

The city’s air transport sector saw declines across multiple indicators in the first half of this year, with air cargo and flight volume both recording their first year-on-year drop since the pandemic.

According to data published by the Macau International Airport Company (CAM), a total of 46,818.813 tonnes of cargo passed through the airport between January and June – a 4.7% decrease compared to the same period last year.

This comes despite 2024 having marked a significant rebound, with over 108,000 tonnes handled, up 69.3% year-on-year. It was the highest annual cargo volume since 2007.

Flight activity also dipped. The number of landings and takeoffs in the first half of the year totaled 28,335, down 4.6% from 29,697 flights in 2024.

This marked the first flight volume decline since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The last peak year remains 2019, when over 37,700 flights were recorded during the same period.

The downturn comes despite CAM’s earlier projection of a 1.5% increase in flight movements for the first quarter.

Actual results slightly outperformed expectations, rising by 1.6% year-on-year for January to March. But momentum failed to carry into the second quarter.

Passenger numbers also followed a similar trend.

The airport welcomed 3.61 million travelers in the first half of the year, a 3.2% drop compared to 2024. June was the slowest month, with traffic down 7.6% year-on-year.

CAM had projected 8.5 million passengers, 65,000 flights, and 113,000 tonnes of cargo for 2025 based on airline schedules and expected route expansions.

Currently, 27 airlines operate regular passenger services from Macau to 41 destinations, including mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Airport Bolsters Fire Safety

CAM held a delivery ceremony recently for a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle, enhancing the airport’s emergency response capabilities.

According to the group, the new vehicle improves engine power, firefighting agent capacity, and rescue equipment performance compared to previous models, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

CAM pledged to maintain high safety standards at Macau International Airport, stating that it regularly reviews international best practices to enhance fire safety and emergency preparedness. Times Reporter