The bar chart illustrates the number of flights operated by eight different airlines to Hong Kong per week in 1980 and 2000.
Overall, it is clear that the number of flights increased significantly across all airlines over the 20-year period. Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airways recorded the greatest growth, while Dragon Air began operating flights to Hong Kong only after 1980.
In 1980, Japan Air Lines had the highest number of flights, at around 12 per week, followed closely by Singapore Airways, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Korean Air, all with roughly 11 to 12 weekly flights. Cathay Pacific operated slightly fewer, at 8 flights per week, while Canadian Air had only 2. Dragon Air did not operate flights to Hong Kong at that time.
By 2000, there had been a dramatic increase in the frequency of flights for all airlines. Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airways became the leading carriers, each operating over 40 flights weekly (around 43-45). Japan Air Lines more than tripled its number of flights to 36 per week, while Korean Air’s figure doubled to 23. Cathay Pacific also saw a moderate rise to 16 flights weekly, and Dragon Air entered the market with 10 flights per week. Canadian Air experienced a smaller increase, rising slightly to 5 flights.
Overall, air traffic to Hong Kong expanded considerably between 1980 and 2000, with the greatest increases seen among major Southeast Asian airlines.