A NEW three-runway system will open this November at an airport that was recently named the best in Asia.
Hong Kong International Airport is known for its innovative technologies and systems and was recently crowned the leading airport in Asia at the World Travel Awards 2024.
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Hong Kong International Airport will launch its new three-runway system next monthCredit: Alamy
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The airport was recently named the best in Asia at the World Travel Awards 2024. Credit: Alamy
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Among the airport’s amenities is a rooftop garden called the Sky Garden, where passengers can relax before their flightCredit: Courtesy of Kai Tak Sky Garden
This is the second year in a row that the airport has taken home the prestigious title.
Cathay Pacific offers the only direct flights between London and Hong Kong – and the airport revealed in July that it had experienced a peak in passenger traffic since the pandemic.
The airport recently announced that it will introduce a new security screening system that will allow passengers to keep electronic devices and liquids in their carry-on bags when going through security checks.
Now the government has said the airport’s three-runway system will go live next month – a project that will increase the airport’s passenger and cargo capacity.
There will be a northern runway for landing, a central runway for take-off and a southern runway for both.
The system will go into effect after the Airport Authority obtains the necessary permits and completes the final round of tests.
Officials from the Bureau of Transport and Logistics also said they would expand Hong Kong’s aviation network to accommodate new capacity arising from the system, revealing that eight airlines would launch 11 new routes under a subsidy program run by the Airport Authority.
The authority’s chief executive, Steven Yiu Siu-chung, told lawmakers that the last key task was to designate the third runway system as a restricted zone and obtain permission from the Civil Aviation Department.
“Getting a license is like passing an exam of 900 aspects, including meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
“We have to secure blueprints, test records and do on-site coordination with the Department of Civil Aviation and then get permits, hopefully in mid-November.
The world’s best airport is now in Europe – with cheap flights, record-breaking museums and 317 destinations
“Next we need to test the Civil Aviation Department’s landing system using aircraft, stimulating taxiing on a taxiway or runway.”
The airport expansion project cost HK$141.5 billion (GBP 13.9 billion) and includes a new third runway of 3.8 km (2.3 mi), a second terminal building opposite the existing one, and new space.
The main primary structure of the terminal building has been completed with all glass curtains in place, providing weather protection, and an assessment of the power generation procedures is underway.
The 650-hectare (1,606-acre) project is expected to increase the airport’s capacity by 50 percent to accommodate 120 million passengers and 10 million tons of cargo annually.
The airport has many unique features, including The Journey of Discovery, a multimedia experience that includes three installations – Crystal Elevator, Waterfall Gardens and Totems of Joy.
The Crystal Elevator welcomes passengers with digital images and videos of Hong Kong.
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The Airport Journey of Discovery is a multimedia experience that includes three installations – one of which is the Waterfall Gardens Credit: Hong Kong Airport
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There is also a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shopping at the airportCredit: Alamy
Waterfall Gardens features a waterfall, ponds, streams and lush plant life, and visitors can interact with digital elements including a waterfall, pebbles, water lily, turtles and frogs.
And Totems of Joy are photo-friendly stations that show a series of video clips that change over time.
The clips include a toy crane with cartoon characters, an aerial view of the world, and fireflies lighting up plants.
As well as plenty of dining and shopping options, the airport has an outdoor terrace called the Sky Garden, with plant boxes and metal silhouettes such as goldfish, birds, butterflies and leaves, where passengers can relax before their flight.
The airport is also home to the world’s first airport IMAX cinema, in case you want to squeeze in the latest blockbuster before boarding the plane.
Or for golf enthusiasts, there is even a golf course called SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course.
World’s Leading Airports 2024 – World Travel Awards
Asia – Hong Kong International Airport, China
Caribbean – Sangster International Airport, Jamaica
Central America – General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport, Acapulco, Mexico
Europe – Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Indian Ocean – Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius
Middle East – Dubai International Airport
North America – Orlando International Airport, USA
Oceania – Sydney Airport, Australia
South America – Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado, Bogotá, Colombia
The world’s best airport also has direct flights from the UK – as it is in Europe.
And we’ve rounded up five new mega airports to open in Europe.
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The airport’s new runway system will see eight airlines launch 11 new routesCredit: Alamy
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