Honk Kong Airport Overview and Facilities

Hong Kong Airport is a major international hub located on the island of Chek Lap Kok.

It has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the more recently opened Terminal 3.

The airport is a major transportation hub, with a vast network of roads and highways connecting it to the rest of Hong Kong.

You can easily get to the city center by taking the Airport Express train, which takes just 24 minutes to reach Central Station.

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The Hong Kong International Airport has a rich history that spans over six decades. It was originally known as Kai Tak Airport, located on the Kowloon Peninsula.

The airport's development was influenced by the need for a new airport to replace the congested Kai Tak Airport. The Hong Kong Government decided to build a new airport on a man-made island in the South China Sea.

In 1998, the Hong Kong International Airport officially opened its doors to the public, marking a new era in aviation for the region.

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The Airport Authority unveiled plans to develop the vast midfield site of the airport island in June 2010.

The development will be done in stages, with Stage 1 involving the construction of a new 20-gate passenger concourse. This concourse will be built in two phases, with 11 gates in phase 1 growing to 20 gates in phase 2.

The configuration of the new concourse is similar to those at major airports like Atlanta, Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi, and London–Heathrow. It will have a similar setup to terminals at airports like Denver, Detroit, and Los Angeles.

After stage 1 of midfield development is completed in 2020, there will be sufficient lands remaining for further new concourses to be built as and when demand for them materialises. This will provide flexibility for future growth and development.

Terminal 1 is one of the largest passenger airport terminal buildings in the world, covering an area of 570,000 square metres. It was opened on 6 July 1998 and initially held the title of the world's largest terminal.

Terminal 1 briefly lost its title to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006, but reclaimed it after an expansion of the East Hall. However, it eventually surrendered the title to Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 in 2008.

In late 2021, the air side of Terminal 1 was segregated into two zones, "Green Zone" and "Orange Zone", to reduce the risk of cross infection of novel coronavirus.

The Terminal 1 south concourse gates, Cathay Pacific check-in counters, and arrivals hall are some of the notable features of the terminal.

Here's a list of some of the notable images of Terminal 1:

The sky bridge connecting Terminal 1 to the T1 Satellite Concourse opened on 1 November 2022, allowing passengers to walk above taxiing planes.

Former Terminal 2 was a low-cost carrier check-in and processing facility with a massive area of 140,000 m, equivalent to 1,500,000 sq ft.

It opened on 28 February 2007, along with the opening of the Airport station's Platform 3, and was situated within the SkyPlaza.

The SkyPlaza was a part of Former Terminal 2, and passengers were transported underground to gates at Terminal 1.

Former Terminal 2 was shut down on 28 November 2019 at 23:00, making way for a new satellite terminal from the three-runway system.

Hong Kong Airport has seen a significant increase in passenger movements over the years, with a peak of 74,672,000 in 2018.

In 2020, the airport experienced a drastic decline in passenger movements, reaching only 8,836,000 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airport's airfreight capacity has also been impressive, with a peak of 5,121,000 tonnes in 2018.

However, the cargo capacity has seen a slight decrease in recent years, reaching 4,200,000 tonnes in 2022.

Here's a breakdown of the airport's operations and statistics over the years:

The airport has a total of 154 air destinations and 6 water destinations, making it a major hub for travel and trade.

The airport's ultimate passenger capacity is set to reach 120,000,000, while its cargo capacity is expected to reach 10m tons.

Getting to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a breeze, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. The airport is connected to inner Hong Kong by the Route 8 in Hong Kong North Lantau Highway on Lantau Island.

You can take a taxi from the airport to various parts of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories. The initial fare for urban taxis is HK$27.00 (~US$3.44), while New Territories taxis cost HK$23.50 (~US$2.99), and Lantau Taxis are HK$22.00 (~US$2.80).

The airport is also served by buses, with over 40 bus routes connecting it to various parts of Hong Kong, including the Airport Ground Transportation Centre and Cheong Tat Road. You can also take the bus to the Tung Chung MTR station and then board the MTR Tung Chung line to Central Station.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of taxis you can take from the airport:

The Airport Express is the fastest way to get to the airport from the city, and it's part of the Hong Kong rail network. It makes intermediate stops at several stations along the way.

If you're planning to take the Airport Express, you can choose from several stations, including Tsing Yi Station, located on Tsing Yi Island, and Kowloon Station, which is a major transfer hub in the Kowloon Peninsula.

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The Airport Express line originally terminated at Airport station, where trains open doors on both sides, allowing direct access to either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. This was later extended to AsiaWorld–Expo station on 20 December 2005.

The journey from Hong Kong Station to the airport takes approximately 24 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers. Hong Kong Station also provides in-town check-in services for major airlines.

Here's a list of the stations the Airport Express line serves:

Getting around Hong Kong is relatively easy, and one of the most convenient ways to do so is by taxi.

There are three types of taxis at the airport, each distinguished by their color.

Urban Taxis can take you to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and parts of the new towns of Metropolitan Hong Kong, such as Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, and Tseung Kwan O.

New Territories Taxis connect the airport with the New Territories, except for areas like Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, and Tseung Kwan O, which are served by Urban Taxis.

Lantau Taxis are specifically for the rest of Lantau Island.

Here's a quick breakdown of the initial fares for each type of taxi:

The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a major transportation hub, and its intermodal transportation system is designed to make traveling convenient and efficient. The Airport Authority has implemented a "push and pull through" strategy to expand connections to new sources of passengers and cargo.

To achieve this, a new Airport-Mainland Coach Station opened in 2003, providing a 230-square-metre waiting lounge and sheltered bays for ten coaches. This station has been relocated to the ground floor of Terminal 2, where it now has 36 bays, allowing cross-border coaches to make 320 trips a day to 90 cities and towns in the Pearl River Delta region.

The SkyPier high-speed ferry terminal opened in late September 2003, allowing passengers to bypass customs and immigration formalities, reducing transit time. Initially, it served four ports: Shekou, Shenzhen, Macau, and Humen (Dongguan). By August 2007, it had expanded to serve Shenzhen's Shekou and Fuyong, Dongguan's Humen, Macau, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai.

In 2009, the permanent SkyPier Terminal opened, equipped with four berths and designed to accommodate eight berths. This terminal has transfer desks and baggage handling facilities and is directly connected to the airport's automatic people mover system.

Here's a summary of the intermodal transportation options available at HKIA:

Ground Services are a crucial part of air travel, and Hong Kong International Airport has invested heavily in this area.

The Air Traffic Control Complex (ATCX) is the nerve centre of the entire air traffic control system, with 370 air traffic controllers and supporting staff working around the clock to provide services.

Located at the centre of the airfield, the ATCX is the hub of activity, providing 24-hour aerodrome control services to aircraft operating at the airport.

A backup Air Traffic Control Centre/Tower is available for operational use in case of disruptions, and is also used for air traffic control training.

The Airport Meteorological Office (AMO) of the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) provides valuable weather services for the aviation community, including alerts of low-level windshear and turbulence.

Doppler LIDAR systems, which use lasers to detect windshear and wind direction, are used by the AMO, and Hong Kong International Airport was the first to introduce this technology.

The Hong Kong International Airport is a traveler's paradise, with a wide range of facilities and amenities to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

You'll find a variety of dining options, including Chinese, Western, and Asian cuisine, as well as cafes and restaurants that are open 24/7. The airport even has a Michelin-starred restaurant, so you can indulge in some world-class cuisine before your flight.

The airport has a total of 93 retail stores, offering everything from luxury goods to souvenirs and travel essentials. You can also find a range of services, including currency exchange, ATMs, and banks.

The T1 Satellite Concourse is a game-changer for travelers passing through Hong Kong International Airport. It opened in December 2009 and is designed for narrow-body aircraft.

The concourse is equipped with 10 jet bridges, making it a convenient and efficient way to board and disembark from planes. Its two levels, one for departures and one for arrivals, help streamline the process.

With a floor area of 20,000 square meters (220,000 sq ft), the T1 Satellite Concourse is capable of serving more than five million passengers annually. This is a significant upgrade from traditional airport facilities.

A new Sky Bridge connecting Terminal 1 and the satellite concourse opened in November 2022, allowing passengers to walk above taxiing planes and saving time from taking the airport shuttle bus. This is a welcome addition to the airport's infrastructure.

Here are some key features of the T1 Satellite Concourse:

If you're looking to relax and unwind before your flight, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has got you covered. There are numerous lounges scattered throughout the airport, catering to different airlines and passenger classes.

HKIA has a total of 12 lounges, with Cathay Pacific leading the pack with 4 lounges of its own. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including noodle bars, barista coffee, and gourmet tea blends.

The Pier lounge, located near Gate 62, is the largest and most impressive of Cathay Pacific's lounges. It features showers, a barista coffee station, and gourmet tea blends by London-based luxury tea brand Jing.

Other notable lounges include the Qantas lounge, which boasts showers, food, internet terminals, and plenty of drinks. You can also find lounges operated by Hong Kong Airlines, SkyTeam, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

If you're not flying with one of these airlines, don't worry – you can still access the lounges through membership programs like Priority Pass or Diners' Club. The Plaza Premium Lounge offers a pay-per-use option, with prices starting at $580 for 2 hours or $280 for a 1-hour shower and breakfast package.

Here's a list of some of the lounges you can find at HKIA:

At Hong Kong International Airport, you'll find a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. There are numerous renowned eateries, including some Michelin-starred restaurants, but most of them are located landside.

You'll find restaurants airside, but they're mostly fast food parlours like McDonald's. However, if you're looking for a more authentic dining experience, head to the landside area.

There are drinking water fountains in the departures area, offering a choice of cold, warm, or boiling water.

Here are some top recommendations for dining at the airport:

The Sky Bridge is a must-visit spot for plane enthusiasts and those who want to experience the airport's hustle and bustle.

You can enjoy an unobstructed view of the airport ground through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The Sky Bridge also has a unique feature - a partial glass floor underneath, allowing you to see planes taxiing under your feet.

The Sky Deck at the end of Sky Bridge near the North Satellite Concourse is a great place to relax and take in the views.

Sky Deck comes equipped with a sitting area, binoculars, and signs highlighting notable landmarks of the airport and surrounding area.

Hong Kong International Airport has had its fair share of accidents and incidents over the years. One notable incident occurred on August 22, 1999, when China Airlines Flight 642 rolled over and caught fire while landing during Typhoon Sam, resulting in 3 fatalities and 219 injuries.

The airport's emergency response team has proven to be effective in containing fires. On October 4, 2017, a cargo fire broke out while an American Airlines plane was being loaded, but the authorities were able to contain the fire and only one person was injured.

In recent years, there have been a few incidents involving cargo planes. On April 2021, three cargo pallets caught fire while waiting to be transferred onto a Hong Kong Air Cargo flight, prompting the airline to ban shipments of Vivo phones and all shipments from two freight forwarding companies.

Here are some notable accidents and incidents at Hong Kong International Airport:

Hong Kong International Airport has received numerous accolades over the years. It was ranked 3rd in the Best Airport Worldwide category at the Airport Service Quality Awards in 2008.

The airport has also won awards for its services in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2009, it was named the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific and the Best Airport by Size (over 40 million passengers).

Here's a breakdown of the airport's awards from 2008 to 2011:

In 2017, the airport received the World's Best Airport for Dining award from the World Airport Awards.

The old Kai Tak Airport was a daredevil approach, to say the least. Its single runway, small terminal building, and proximity to residential areas made it a challenging hub for air travel.

Only one runway and a small terminal building made it hard for the airport to handle a large volume of flights. This led to a curfew being implemented in the late night and early morning hours, limiting its capacity.

Passengers could see residents eating dinners during landings due to the sharp turns at low altitude over high-rise residential buildings. This was just one of the many drawbacks of the airport.

The new airport on Chek Lap Kok Island was designed by Sir Norman Foster and opened in 1998. It's since been named "World's Best Airport" by Skytrax eight times.

Hong Kong is a global aviation hub, with most major cities in Europe and North America served by at least one daily flight. Flights between Hong Kong and other major cities in Asia and Oceania are also frequent.

Cathay Pacific operates one of the longest air routes in the world, between Hong Kong and New York City (JFK). It's the primary hub for Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines.

Getting Around Hong Kong Airport is relatively straightforward. The airport has a large Y-shaped pier, with check-in and security located at the bottom of the "Y".

All check-in counters are located at Terminal 1, making it easy to find your way around. After security, your flight may board from Terminal 1, the Midfield Concourse, or the North Satellite Concourse.

An automated people mover runs between the east and west ends of Terminal 1, and to the Midfield Concourse. The Sky Bridge is provided for passengers heading to the North Satellite Concourse.

Traveling through the airport can be overwhelming, but understanding the layout and transportation options can make a big difference.

Terminal 1 consists of a large Y-shaped pier, with check-in and security located at the bottom of the "Y". All check-in counters are located at Terminal 1.

After security, your flight may board from Terminal 1, the Midfield Concourse, or the North Satellite Concourse. The automated people mover runs between the east and west ends of Terminal 1, and to the Midfield Concourse.

The Sky Bridge is provided for passengers heading to the North Satellite Concourse.

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The Airport Express is the quickest way to travel between the airport and the city, with trains running every 10 minutes from 6AM to 12:45AM.

You can board the train and pay in the city, as there's no ticket barrier at the airport. All stations have free porters to help you get heavy bags on and off the train.

Single fares for adults cover same-day return and cost HK$70 to Tsing Yi, $105 to Kowloon, and $115 to Hong Kong Central Station.

Fares for children aged 3-11 are about half of the adult fares, and there's a group discount if you buy your ticket from the staff at the counter.

If you take a taxi to reach the Airport Express, you're entitled to a 50% discount when boarding in Tsing Yi and Kowloon.

The Airport Express offers a free connection to the MTR if you use the same Octopus Card to change at Central, Kowloon, or Tsing Yi stations.

You can also take the Airport Express to Tsing Yi and change to the Tung Chung MTR line for a cheaper route to Central, costing in total $72.5 one-way or $135 return.

Hong Kong is a major hub for business aviation, with the Hong Kong Business Aviation Center (BAC) being a key player in the industry. The BAC is a dedicated facility that provides a range of services to business aircraft operators, including fueling, handling, and maintenance.

Located on the north side of the airport, the BAC is a convenient and efficient option for business aircraft owners and operators. The center is open 24/7, allowing for flexibility and ease of use.

The BAC offers a range of fueling options, including Jet-A1 and Avgas, as well as a state-of-the-art fueling system that minimizes wait times. This is a major advantage for business aircraft operators who need to refuel quickly and efficiently.

The BAC also provides a range of handling services, including ground handling, cargo handling, and passenger handling. This makes it a one-stop-shop for business aircraft operators who need to manage all aspects of their flight.

The BAC is a popular choice among business aircraft operators due to its convenient location and range of services. It's a great option for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Hong Kong.

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The passenger terminal at Hong Kong Airport was designed with convenience in mind, featuring a well-laid out layout and signage, moving walkways, and an automated people mover system. This system transports passengers between the check-in area and gates at a speed of 62 kilometres per hour.

Passengers have access to an IMAX theatre with the largest screen in Hong Kong, located in Terminal 2 on level 6, which can seat 350 people at a time. The automated people mover system has 3 stations.

HKIA handles over five million tonnes of cargo annually, with a significant portion of it being exported. The airport has an advanced baggage handling system and separate remote transfer facilities for handling tight connection transfer bags.

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Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has an advanced baggage handling system (BHS) located in the basement level of the passenger terminal.

The airport has a separate remote transfer facility at the western end of the main concourse for handling tight connection transfer bags.

HKIA handles over five million tonnes of cargo annually.

Ramp handling services are provided by Hong Kong Airport Services Limited (HAS), Jardine Air Terminal Services Limited, and SATS HK Limited, which include handling mail and passenger baggage, transportation of cargo, aerobridge operations, and operation of passenger stairways.

The airport's cargo facilities are operated by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited and Asia Airfreight Terminal Company Limited, with a combined capacity of 4.1 million tonnes of freight per year.

DHL operates the DHL Central Asia Hub cargo facility, which handles 35,000 parcels and 40,000 packages per hour.

Hongkong Post operates the Air Mail Centre (AMC), processing 700,000 packages per day.

HKIA's total air cargo capacity per annum is expected to reach nine million tonnes ultimately.

As you navigate through the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), you'll notice the convenience of its passenger terminal design. The layout and signage are thoughtfully planned to help you move through the building efficiently.

The HKIA Automated People Mover, a driverless system with 3 stations, transports passengers between the check-in area and the gates at a speed of 62 kilometres per hour (39 mph).

You can take a break from your journey and catch a movie at the IMAX theatre, which boasts the largest screen in Hong Kong. The theatre is located in Terminal 2, level 6 and can seat 350 persons at a time.

HKIA has seen a significant surge in passenger numbers, with a 15.0% rise in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This growth is largely fueled by an increase in transfer and transit passengers.

For the first quarter of 2025, HKIA handled 14.59 million passengers, with flight movements also growing by 11.3% to 95,975.

Hong Kong Airport's aircraft maintenance services are provided by several companies, including Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) and China Aircraft Services Limited (CASL). HAECO undertakes both line and base maintenance services, while CASL focuses on line maintenance.

HAECO has a three-bay hangar that can accommodate up to three Boeing 747-400 aircraft and two Airbus A320 aircraft. This hangar is part of HAECO's facility, which also includes an adjoining support workshop.

CASL opened its first aircraft maintenance hangar in 2009, which occupies an area of about 10,000 square meters. This hangar can accommodate one wide-body and one narrow-body aircraft at the same time.

Here is a list of some of the aircraft that can be accommodated in HAECO's hangar:

The Fire Rescue Services at Hong Kong Airport are a well-equipped and highly trained team. They have 282 members operating three fire stations and two rescue berths for 24-hour emergency calls.

The airport's fire appliances are top-notch, with 14 vehicles that can respond to incidents within two minutes in optimum conditions. This meets the International Civil Aviation Organization's recommendations.

Two high-capacity rescue boats, supported by eight smaller boats, are ready to handle sea rescue operations. These boats are a crucial part of the airport's emergency response plan.

At each of the airport's fire stations, there's an ambulance on standby, ready to provide medical assistance in case of an emergency.

If you're planning to fly into Hong Kong, it's essential to know that Terminal 2 is currently closed for redevelopment and won't reopen until around 2025. All airlines based in Terminal 2 have relocated to Terminal 1.

Airport Express trains no longer open their doors on the T2 side of the train, so be sure to check the updated train schedule if you're relying on this service.

The information in this article was last updated on July 11, 2024, so be sure to double-check any details before your trip.

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Hong Kong Airport is a major transportation hub, located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, and is one of the busiest airports in the world.

It has three runways and can handle over 90 million passengers per year.

The airport has a unique design, with a two-story building that allows passengers to travel between terminals without having to go outside.

It is a major hub for Cathay Pacific Airways, and also serves as a base for several other airlines.

The airport has a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Passengers can also take advantage of the airport's free Wi-Fi and charging points.