Hong Kong Raises Airport Departure Tax By 67 Percent

Heads-up, travellers! If you’re flying out of Hong Kong soon, your ticket is about to get pricier. Starting October 1, the city is hiking its airport departure tax for the first time in 22 years.

The current tax of $120 HKD (around ₱860) will rise to $200 HKD (around ₱1,430) per passenger aged 12 and above. That’s an increase of $80 HKD—or about ₱570 more per person every time you fly out of Hong Kong.

Lawmakers passed the Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill earlier this year, saying the increase will help raise about $1.6 billion annually for the government. Critics argue it could push travellers to pick other Asian hubs, while supporters call it reasonable and still affordable.

Also read: Hong Kong for First-Timers: 5 Attractions You Can Visit by MTR

Image credit: Hongkong International Airport Facebook Page

Not all travellers will be hit by the full increase. Exemptions still apply to those in transit or connecting flights who don’t leave the airport. And starting October, new exemptions also cover:

• Travellers staying in Hong Kong no longer than 48 hours

• Visitors arriving by land, sea, or other means and flying out again within 48 hours

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Even if you qualify, the tax will still appear in your ticket price, but you can claim it back through a new HKIA online portal launching soon.

The good news? Tickets bought before October 1 won’t carry the higher tax. So if Hong Kong is already in your 2025 plans, lock in those flights early and save yourself the extra ₱570.

For barkada or family trips who are going for a quick Hong Kong-Macau combo trip, aim for less than 48 hours in Hong Kong so you can claim the refund later.

Featured image credit: Hongkong International Airport Facebook Page