This article was first published on July 6, 1998.
Roger, over and out, Kai Tak
by Rachel Clarke
The lights were turned out at Kai Tak at 1.16 this morning, marking the end of the airport’s 73-year history.
“Goodbye Kai Tak and thank you,” said Director of Civil Aviation Richard Siegel, before throwing the switch.
As the lights went out, hundreds of people worked through the night in a hectic 13-hour operation to move the last pieces of equipment to the new airport at Chek Lap Kok, 35km away.