Hong Kong mega bridge’s popularity takes toll on helicopter, ferry services: lawmaker

Last year, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge witnessed a record number of vehicles, reaching a staggering 5.21 million daily flow, up over 19% from 4.36 million in 2024. This surge in traffic has taken a heavy toll on ferry services and the long-standing helicopter service, as revealed by Transport Department figures obtained by the South China Morning Post.

The bridge, opened in 2018, has become increasingly popular, with the average daily vehicle flow in June surpassing last year's figure. The bridge's peak in popularity coincided with Sky Shuttle announcing the suspension of its scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Macau, which had operated since 1990. Sky Shuttle cited the relocation of Macau Heliport and its charter-only model for its Macau-Shenzhen route as reasons for the suspension.

In response, Hong Kong-Macau ferry services witnessed a 6.5% year-on-year drop to 7.74 million passengers in 2025. Lawmaker Mark Chong Ho-fung attributed the decline in ferry services to the bridge's greater popularity, citing its advantages over other transport means. Chong highlighted that Sky Shuttle's helicopter services were more expensive and susceptible to weather disruptions, while ferry services were limited by their schedules.

He suggested that bridge commuters could still arrange luxury services, such as limousine pickup or ride. Macau government data show a slight increase in tourists arriving via the Outer Harbour heliport in the first seven months of 2026, but still down significantly from pre-pandemic levels.