Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), often referred to as Chek Lap Kok Airport due to its location, stands as one of Asia’s premier aviation hubs. Serving as the main airport for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, it connects this dynamic city to the world through an impressive network of routes and world-class facilities.
History
The story of Hong Kong International Airport reflects the city’s remarkable transformation and growth over the decades. Prior to the current facility, Hong Kong was served by Kai Tak Airport, an urban airport famous for its challenging approach that required pilots to navigate between densely packed high-rises before landing on a runway extending into Victoria Harbour.
By the 1980s, it became clear that Kai Tak had reached its operational capacity and could not meet Hong Kong’s growing aviation needs. This realization led to the ambitious decision to construct an entirely new airport on reclaimed land around the islands of Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau.
Construction of this massive infrastructure project began in 1991 as part of the Airport Core Programme, which included not just the airport but also a network of supporting transportation links. The project involved reclaiming approximately 9.38 square kilometers of land from the sea, effectively doubling the size of the original islands.
After seven years of construction at a cost of US$20 billion, Hong Kong International Airport officially opened on July 6, 1998, just one year after Hong Kong’s handover from British to Chinese sovereignty. The transition from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok was accomplished in a single night, with the last flight departing Kai Tak on July 5 and the first flight arriving at the new airport the following morning.
The airport’s iconic terminal building was designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, whose vision created one of the world’s largest covered public spaces at the time of completion. The design emphasized natural light, transparent walls, and a floating roof structure that has since become emblematic of modern airport architecture.
HKG Quick Facts
- Official Name: Hong Kong International Airport
- IATA Code: HKG
- ICAO Code: VHHH
- Location: Chek Lap Kok Island, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
- Elevation: 28 feet (8.5 meters) above sea level
- Size: Approximately 1,255 hectares (12.55 square kilometers)
- Runways: Two parallel runways (07L/25R and 07R/25L), both 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) long
- Terminals: Terminal 1 (main terminal), Terminal 2 (primarily check-in facilities), and the North Satellite Concourse
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Distance from City Center: Approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Central Hong Kong
- Operator: Airport Authority Hong Kong
Key Statistics
Hong Kong International Airport has consistently ranked among the world’s busiest airports. Before the global pandemic disrupted air travel, HKG was handling approximately 71.5 million passengers annually, making it one of the top 10 busiest passenger airports globally.
The airport’s significance in global cargo operations is even more pronounced. HKG has frequently held the title of the world’s busiest cargo airport, handling over 4.8 million tonnes of freight annually in peak years. This impressive cargo volume underscores Hong Kong’s critical role in global supply chains and trade networks.
At full capacity, the airport can handle up to 68 aircraft movements per hour across its two runways. The airport serves approximately 220 destinations worldwide through about 120 airlines, creating an extensive network that connects Hong Kong to major cities across six continents.
Transit passengers make up a significant portion of HKG’s traffic, with roughly 30% of all passengers using the airport as a connecting point between flights. This reflects Hong Kong’s strategic position as a gateway between China, Southeast Asia, and the rest of the world.
The airport employs over 73,000 people, making it one of Hong Kong’s largest employment centers and a vital component of the local economy. It contributes approximately 5% to Hong Kong’s GDP, highlighting its economic significance beyond just transportation.
Facilities
Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport remains one of the largest terminal buildings in the world, offering passengers a comprehensive range of facilities:
Shopping: The airport houses over 350 retail outlets spread across both terminals, offering everything from luxury brands to local Hong Kong specialties. The shopping areas are organized into themed zones, including high-end fashion, electronics, and duty-free goods.
Dining: More than 80 food and beverage outlets provide diverse culinary options, from international fast-food chains to authentic Cantonese cuisine. Notable options include celebrity chef restaurants and food courts offering panoramic views of the airfield.
Entertainment: The airport features an IMAX theater, aviation discovery center, and various art exhibitions throughout the terminals. The SkyCity complex adjacent to Terminal 2 offers additional entertainment options.
Relaxation: Multiple airline lounges serve premium passengers, while pay-per-use lounges are available for all travelers. Dedicated relaxation areas, yoga rooms, and quiet zones provide spaces for rest between flights.
Business Services: The airport offers comprehensive business facilities, including meeting rooms, conference centers, and workstations equipped with high-speed internet access.
Special Services: Family-friendly facilities include nursing rooms, children’s play areas, and stroller rentals. For passengers with reduced mobility, the airport provides comprehensive assistance services and accessible facilities throughout.
Accommodations: The HKIA complex includes several hotels, including the luxury Regal Airport Hotel connected directly to Terminal 1 and the newer Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel.
Airlines and Destinations
Hong Kong International Airport serves as the primary hub for several airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, and Air Hong Kong (a cargo carrier). These home carriers provide extensive connectivity throughout Asia and beyond.
Major international airlines operating at HKG include Air China, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Qantas, among many others.
The airport offers direct connections to major global destinations including:
- Asia: Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Manila
- Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, Rome
- North America: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver
- Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland
- Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi
- Africa: Johannesburg, Cairo
Ground Transportation
Hong Kong International Airport is connected to the city through a comprehensive transportation network:
Airport Express: This dedicated high-speed rail line connects the airport to Hong Kong Island in just 24 minutes, with stops at Tsing Yi and Kowloon. Trains depart at approximately 10-minute intervals, and in-town check-in facilities are available at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations.
Buses: A network of public and private buses serves the airport, including:
- Cityflyer routes (premium services to major hotels and destinations)
- Long-win Bus services (connecting to New Territories)
- Regular public buses
- External coach services to destinations in mainland China’s Greater Bay Area
Taxis: Three types of taxis operate based on geographical zones:
- Urban taxis (red) serving Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
- New Territories taxis (green) serving the New Territories
- Lantau taxis (blue) serving Lantau Island where the airport is located
Private Transportation: Limousine services, hotel shuttles, and ride-sharing options are readily available.
Ferry: The SkyPier provides high-speed ferry services to several ports in the Pearl River Delta region without requiring passengers to go through Hong Kong immigration, facilitating seamless transit to mainland China.
Road Links: The airport is connected to the city via the Lantau Link, which includes the Tsing Ma Bridge—one of the world’s longest suspension bridges carrying both road and rail traffic.
Future Development
Hong Kong International Airport is undergoing its most significant expansion since opening through the Three-Runway System (3RS) project. This ambitious development, scheduled for full completion by 2024, involves reclaiming 650 hectares of land to construct a third runway parallel to the existing two.
When completed, the 3RS will increase the airport’s capacity to handle up to 100 million passengers and 9 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030. The project includes a new passenger concourse, expanded Terminal 2, enhanced baggage handling systems, and additional apron facilities.
The Airport City vision aims to transform HKG into more than just an airport but a destination in itself. Key components include:
SKYCITY: A 25-hectare commercial development featuring retail complexes, dining venues, hotels, and entertainment facilities. The first phase, SKYCITY 11, opened in late 2023.
AsiaWorld-Expo: Expansion of the adjacent exhibition center to enhance Hong Kong’s position as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
Airport City Link: An automated people mover system connecting the various airport zones and commercial developments.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge: This recently completed infrastructure project has positioned the airport as a multimodal transport hub for the entire Greater Bay Area, expanding its catchment population to over 70 million people.
Technology initiatives include the implementation of biometric processing through the entire passenger journey, autonomous vehicles for groundside operations, and enhanced digital services through a comprehensive airport app platform.
Sustainability features prominently in future plans, with commitments to carbon neutrality by 2050, increased use of renewable energy, and the implementation of green building standards across all new developments.
Keyword: TopAirports