Hong Kong’s government has announced an increase in the airport departure tax as part of measures to address the city’s fiscal deficit. Starting in the third quarter of this year, the departure tax for airline passengers will rise from HK$120 ($15) to HK$200 ($25), a move expected to generate an additional HK$1.6 billion ($205 million) annually. Financial Secretary Paul Chan outlined this change in the recently released budget, highlighting several revenue-enhancing and cost-saving initiatives. The government anticipates the impact on passengers to be minimal. Travelers who purchase tickets before October 1 will still pay the current HK$120 tax, even if their flight departs after the date.