HONG KONG — Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on Tuesday rolled out a new facilitated transit service allowing passengers from two mainland cities to fly to destinations worldwide via Hong Kong on “one ticket”, with baggage checked through to their final destinations.

The "Linking the Trunk and Branch, Connecting Urban and Remote" service is designed to connect the mainland’s domestic aviation network — its “internal circulation” — with Hong Kong’s international route network, or “external circulation”.

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Once fully implemented, the service will give passengers from mainland cities what officials described as a seamless “one-stop” experience — “one ticket, one check-in, and through-checked baggage to the final destination” — even when they transfer between flights operated by different airlines.

Overseas travelers will have reciprocal arrangements when flying to a range of mainland cities via Hong Kong.

Pivotal point

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan called the service a crucial step in implementing Hong Kong’s first five-year plan and integrating the city into the country’s overall national development.

She thanked the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its support and policy guidance, saying the initiative demonstrated Hong Kong’s unique role as a hub backed by the motherland and closely connected to the world through an extensive international aviation network.

Chan said the service would align Hong Kong with the national aviation network by linking the mainland’s domestic aviation network with Hong Kong’s international network. It would upgrade the city from its previous role as a superconnector to a pivotal point in the country’s dual circulation strategy, she said.

Changes for passengers

The new arrangement will enhance services in three key areas:

• Single check-in for mainland-to-overseas travelers: Passengers flying from smaller mainland cities to overseas destinations via Hong Kong will need to check in only once. Their baggage will be checked through from their point of origin to their overseas destination, eliminating the need to reclaim and recheck bags in Hong Kong.
• Reciprocal service for inbound travelers: Passengers traveling from overseas destinations to smaller mainland cities will have reciprocal arrangements, allowing them to connect seamlessly to the mainland through HKIA.
• Stronger connectivity: The arrangement will strengthen links between Hong Kong and mainland airports, highlight Hong Kong’s efficiency as an international aviation hub and further maximize HKIA’s role in connecting the mainland with the world.

First phase: Hangzhou and Wuhan

In its first phase, HKIA will roll out two brands — the “Hangzhou-Hong Kong” and “Wuhan-Hong Kong” Transfer Services — drawing on the close ties between Hong Kong and Zhejiang and Hubei provinces.

Hangzhou and Hong Kong have long collaborated closely on the economy, trade and technology. Building on that mature partnership and frequent shuttle flights, the service will let passengers reach destinations worldwide through Hong Kong’s extensive international flight network, according to the announcement.

Wuhan, traditionally known as the “thoroughfare to nine provinces,” is a major hub for high-speed rail and aviation in central China and a popular destination for Hong Kong residents traveling for business and tourism. The new transfer service will further connect Wuhan’s high-speed rail network with Hong Kong’s international aviation network.

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Transit through HK

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said it will continue to work closely with the CAAC, the AAHK, airlines and relevant mainland authorities to expand the coverage of the facilitated transit service.

The goal, officials said, is to attract more mainland and overseas passengers to transit through Hong Kong, contributing to the country’s high-level opening up and consolidating the city’s status as an international aviation hub.