On November 28, Hong Kong International Airport officially inaugurated its three-runway system, marking a major enhancement to the airport's capacity and a significant milestone in the city’s aviation history.
This ambitious project, the largest infrastructure initiative in Hong Kong since the Handover, took eight years to complete and cost over $140 billion. The third runway, known as the North Runway, began operations two years ago, while the Centre Runway was closed for expansion until its reopening on November 28, officially launching the three-runway system.
The project involved the reclamation of 650 hectares of land to accommodate the new 3.8-kilometer runway. Additionally, it included an expansion of the Terminal 2 passenger building, the construction of a new concourse, and the installation of an automated people mover and an upgraded baggage handling system. Some of the expanded passenger facilities linked to the third runway are expected to enter service by the end of 2025.
With the new three-runway system, the airport aims to handle up to 120 million passenger trips and 10 million tons of cargo annually, significantly boosting operational efficiency and reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a leading international aviation hub.