Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards a three-runway operation with the successful completion of the flight check for the reconfigured Centre Runway. This critical step, completed in August 2024, involved a collaborative effort between the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), the Civil Aviation Department, and the Flight Inspection Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
The primary objective of the flight check was to ensure that the air navigation service equipment, flight procedures, and airfield ground lighting system at the reconfigured Centre Runway meet the stringent standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Centre Runway underwent a temporary closure for reconfiguration since the commissioning of the North Runway in November 2022, as part of the development of the Three-runway System (3RS). This reconfiguration involved significant upgrades, including resurfacing the runway pavement to align with connecting taxiways, constructing new runway entry and exit taxiways, and building new wrap-around taxiways at both ends.
The AAHK aims to have all three runways operational by the end of 2024, as planned. The 3RS project is a crucial initiative to expand HKIA’s capacity, enabling it to accommodate the projected air traffic demand of 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo by 2035. This expansion will solidify HKIA’s position as a premier aviation hub in the region, connecting travelers and facilitating trade throughout Asia.
In recognition of its continued commitment to excellence, HKIA was once again honored at the World Travel Awards. The airport was voted “Asia’s Leading Airport” for the fourth time since 2020 and “China’s Leading Airport” for the third consecutive year. The World Travel Awards are globally recognized for acknowledging excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, with winners being selected by travel experts and passengers worldwide.
Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, expressed her pride in receiving these prestigious awards amidst strong regional competition. She highlighted the AAHK’s unwavering commitment to providing passengers with a high-quality service and an enjoyable travel experience while constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. Cheung emphasized that with the commencement of the three-runway operation before the end of the year, HKIA will further enhance its competitiveness, consolidating its position as the preeminent aviation hub in Asia and a vital gateway to the Mainland China market. This development marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s aviation industry, ensuring a bright future for HKIA as a major player in global air travel.
