HKIA launches new "Linking the Trunk and Branch, Connecting Urban and Remote" service linking Hangzhou and Wuhan to offer passengers "one ticket, through-checked baggage" to global destinations via Hong Kong (with photos)
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The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, together with Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Mr Han Jun; Deputy Director of the Third Bureau of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council, Mr Wang Jinyu; the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Vic Yau; the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Ms Clara Wong; and the Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Mr Fred Lam, attended the launch ceremony today. In her speech, Ms Chan said that this new service is a crucial step in implementing Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and integrating into and serving the overall national development. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the CAAC for its full support and policy guidance, which fully demonstrates Hong Kong's unique hub role of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, underpinned by an extensive international aviation network.
She added that, the "Linking the Trunk and Branch, Connecting Urban and Remote" service enables Hong Kong to align with the national aviation network development by linking the Mainland's "internal circulation" aviation network with Hong Kong's "external circulation" international aviation network, thereby upgrading Hong Kong from its previous role as a "super connector" to a pivotal point in the country's dual circulation strategy.
The new arrangement will enhance services across three key areas:
- Passengers travelling from smaller Mainland cities to overseas destinations through Hong Kong will only need to complete a single check-in procedure. Their baggage will be checked through from the origin to their overseas destination, eliminating the need for baggage reclaim or re-checking in Hong Kong;
- Passengers travelling from overseas destinations to smaller Mainland cities can enjoy reciprocal arrangements, connecting seamlessly to the Mainland through HKIA;
- The arrangement will enhance connectivity between Hong Kong and Mainland airports, highlighting the efficiency and role of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub, further maximising HKIA's function in connecting the Mainland and the world.
In the first phase, HKIA will roll out two brands, namely "Hangzhou-Hong Kong" and "Wuhan-Hong Kong" Transfer Services, leveraging the close ties between Hong Kong and Zhejiang and Hubei provinces:
- "Hangzhou-Hong Kong" Transfer Services: Hangzhou and Hong Kong have long maintained close collaboration in economy, trade and technology. Building upon this mature partnership and high-frequency shuttle flights, passengers can access the world through Hong Kong's dense international flight network.
- "Wuhan-Hong Kong" Transfer Services: Wuhan, traditionally known as the "thoroughfare to nine provinces", serves as a core dual hub for high-speed rail and aviation in the central region of the country, and is also a popular destination for Hong Kong people for business and tourism. The "Wuhan-Hong Kong" Transfer Services will further connect Wuhan's high-speed rail network with Hong Kong's international aviation network.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to work closely with the CAAC, the AAHK, airlines and relevant Mainland authorities to further expand the coverage of this facilitation service, with a view to attracting more Mainland and overseas passengers to transit through Hong Kong, thereby contributing to the country's high-level opening up and consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub.
Ends/Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Issued at HKT 23:15
Issued at HKT 23:15
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