Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has welcomed the Hong Kong Government’s move to amend legislation, expanding the eligibility criteria for exemptions from the Air Passenger Departure Tax.
Under the revised scheme, all passengers arriving in Hong Kong by air or other means — and departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) by aircraft within 48 hours — will be exempt from paying the tax.
The legislative change is seen as a significant step to reinforce HKIA’s position as a leading intermodal transportation hub in Asia, particularly within the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Located at the heart of the GBA, HKIA offers extensive connectivity through high-speed ferry services to seven ports, some 30 city terminals with check-in and coach links, as well as door-to-door limousine transfers across the region.
AAHK said it believes the expanded tax exemption will enhance HKIA’s competitiveness, attract more transit traffic, and support wider efforts to solidify Hong Kong’s role as a premier aviation gateway.
An AAHK spokesperson said: “The expansion of the exemption scope not only strengthens our intermodal capabilities but also contributes to Hong Kong’s tourism, catering, and hospitality sectors by encouraging more transfer passengers to explore the city’s offerings.”
To support the rollout of the updated exemption policy, AAHK will work closely with the Government to establish a one-stop refund system, including a new electronic application platform to streamline the process for eligible travellers.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to reinvigorate Hong Kong’s status as a key hub in the post-pandemic travel recovery and deepen integration with the fast-growing GBA region.
