The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has announced that a renewed aerodrome licence for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and its third runway has been issued by the Civil Aviation Department.
The new license includes authorisation for the airport to operate its third runway and associated taxiways for the first time. HKIA’s third runway is therefore due to commence operation in 2022 as scheduled.
In addition, amendments have been made to the airport’s Map of Restricted Area Order under the Airport Authority Ordinance to reflect the changes in the boundaries of the Restricted Area at HKIA. The new boundaries of the Restricted Area include the airport’s new third runway and associated infrastructure.
Before the amendments came into effect, thorough security searches and checks were carried out on the third runway and its associated taxiways, as well as for buildings such as the Airport North Fire Station and Observation Facility.
HKIA’s plan to operate a three-runway system aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub, while meeting the city’s long-term air traffic demand.
The three-runway system project has involved seven key components:
- Reclaiming approximately 650 hectares of land north of the existing airport island
- Building the T2 Concourse and an associated apron
- Building a new, 3 800-metre-long runway and its supporting taxiway systems
- Expanding Terminal 2 to provide arrivals and departures facilities
- Building a new, 2 600-metre-long Automated People Mover (APM) system that will connect Terminal 2 with the T2 Concourse
- Building a new Baggage Handling System linking Terminal 2 with the T2 Concourse, capable of handling 9 600 bags per hour
- Building other associated airport support infrastructure, road network and transportation facilities
The new third runway is due to start operations later this year, while the Terminal 2 expansion, the APM, and the Baggage Handling System are expected to be complete by 2024.
