Hong Kong airport’s new 3-runway system opens today: what you need to know

The highly-anticipated new three-runway system at the Hong Kong International Airport is set to be launched on Thursday to much fanfare, with the megaproject advancing the city’s status as a global transport and aviation hub.

The HK$141.5 billion (US$18.1 billion) project, which started in 2016, was completed within schedule and budget.

Although a third runway began operations in 2022, the final stage of the project – the reconfiguration of its centre runway – has recently been completed, with the three runways set to operate simultaneously from Thursday.

The Post looks at the opportunities and challenges that the landmark project presents to the city.

What does Hong Kong expect from the expanded airport?

By around 2025, the airport’s passenger throughput capacity will be raised in phases by 50 per cent to 120 million annually, while the cargo volume will be doubled from its current 5 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes per annum.