Hong Kong - Passenger numbers at Hong Kong's international airport fell by more than 5 per cent in August when the city staged the Olympics equestrian events, figures showed Monday.

Statistics from the former British colony's Airport Authority showed passenger volume for the month was down 5.3 per cent compared to August 2007 at 4.2 million people.

The fall came as Hong Kong staged the equestrian games of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which many hoteliers believe kept people away from the city of 6.9 million.

Airport Authority chief executive Stanley Hui blamed the falling passenger numbers on high fuel prices, rising inflationary pressure and global financial volatility.

However, he added: "The tightening of visa applications (to enter mainland China) due to the Olympics also contributed to the lower passenger and cargo figures."

Hong Kong is a popular gateway to mainland China but new visa restrictions put into effect from March have made it difficult for people to get onward visas to enter China.

Hui warned: "The operating environment for the rest of the year will continue to be difficult, we will work with our business partners to equip the airport for long-term growth."

Overall, passenger traffic at Hong Kong international airport has risen 6 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of the year at 49.3 million passengers. (dpa)