Macau International Airport has recently published data for the summer holiday period of July and August 2024, revealing significant growth in passenger numbers and aircraft movements compared to the same period last year. However, the statistics also indicate that the airport’s performance still lags behind pre-pandemic levels.
Passenger Statistics: A Year-on-Year Comparison
During the recent summer period, Macau International Airport saw a remarkable 28% increase in passenger traffic year-on-year, with 1.47 million passengers recorded. This is a notable recovery from the previous year’s figures, reflecting a resurgence in travel and possibly an improvement in the region’s tourism industry.
In comparison to July and August 2019, however, the current passenger numbers are still approximately 82% of the pre-pandemic figures. In 2019, the airport recorded 1,787,851 passengers during these two months, highlighting the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel and the slow pace of recovery.
Aircraft Movements: Growth Trends
The number of aircraft movements at Macau International Airport also showed substantial growth, increasing by 30.2% year-on-year to reach 10,881 during the summer months. This increase in aircraft movements aligns with the rise in passenger traffic, suggesting a positive trend in the airport’s operational capacity and its ability to handle a higher volume of flights.
Despite this growth, the number of aircraft movements still falls short of pre-pandemic levels. In July and August 2019, the airport recorded 13,825 aircraft movements, indicating that while recovery is underway, the airport has yet to fully return to its pre-pandemic operational levels.
Government and Airport Management Plans
In response to the gradual recovery of passenger numbers, Macau International Airport Corporation Limited (CAM) has outlined several initiatives aimed at boosting traffic and enhancing the airport’s appeal. For the fourth quarter of this year, CAM plans to organize roadshow events in the Greater Bay Area to promote new routes and related products. This initiative aims to attract more travelers and increase the airport’s connectivity with other regions.
Additionally, Macau International Airport will launch a “Double Anniversary Celebration and Lucky Draw Campaign” in October. This campaign is designed to provide discounts and retail benefits for passengers, further incentivizing travel and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Legislative Insights and Future Prospects
During a meeting of the Macau Legislative Assembly held in mid-August, legislators discussed the slow recovery of passenger volumes. A legislator cited government officials noting that the number of passengers in the first quarter of 2024 was only 77% of the figures from the same period in 2019. This indicates a slower-than-expected recovery pace for the airport.
In light of these challenges, the Macau government has decided to suspend its plan to convert part of the Taipa Ferry Terminal into a second terminal for the airport. This plan, proposed in April 2020, was aimed at attracting more international travelers and expanding the airport’s capacity. However, the current recovery rate and passenger volume have led the government to reassess the need for such an expansion.
Legislators have pointed out that the current design capacity of Macau International Airport’s terminal can accommodate up to 10 million passengers per year. Government officials believe that this existing capacity is sufficient to meet the current demand for air traffic. This assessment has influenced the decision to postpone the terminal expansion project.
Macau International Airport has demonstrated significant year-on-year growth in both passenger numbers and aircraft movements during the summer of 2024. However, the airport’s performance still trails behind pre-pandemic levels, reflecting ongoing challenges in the travel and tourism sector. The upcoming initiatives by CAM and the government’s strategic adjustments will play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of the airport’s recovery and growth.
As the airport continues to adapt to changing circumstances and strive for greater connectivity and passenger satisfaction, it remains to be seen how these efforts will influence its long-term recovery and operational success. The airport’s ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on new opportunities will be essential for its continued development and expansion