Holiday-makers planning a Chinese New Year getaway helped Hong Kong International Airport set a new record, handling up to 1,057 touch-downs and take-offs within one day.

The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong (CAD) announced late last week that the airport handled the highest number of incoming and outgoing flights ever on Friday last week, NYC Aviation reported.

Beating out the previous record of 1,003 flights set in April last year, a CAD spokesperson citied the flight demand to increased movements over the Chinese New Year, with the majority of passengers heading across the Northeast and Southeast Asia.

The spokesperson added that the majority of flights were heading to Taipei, Seoul and Sapporo.

“The Civil Aviation Department is encouraged by this new movement record and its smooth air traffic operation,” the CAD spokesperson said.  

“As usual, CAD’s Air Traffic Management Division has deployed additional staff to cater for the seasonal demands.

“We are always committed to ensure a safe and efficient Air Traffic Service to the travelling public.”

Meanwhile Hong Kong International Airport released a statement to travellers heading to the airport to leave the automobile at home because all long-term parking spaces are occupied.