Hong Kong International Airport has commissioned its Three-Runway System, plans for which were approved by the Hong Kong government back in 2012.
Construction began in 2016, and although the runway opened in 2022, the airport’s Centre Runway was temporarily closed to allow for reconfiguration works, including the relevelling of the runway pavement to tie in with connecting taxiways, the construction of new runway entry and exit taxiways, and the building of a new wrap-around taxiway.
All three runways began operating simultaneously last week, with departures resuming from the Centre Runway with a special Cathay Pacific flight CX8333.
Fred Lam, chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong, shared: “The commissioning of the 3RS will provide impetus for the Airport City development and support Hong Kong’s economic growth. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths, the Airport City will be a world-leading new landmark, attracting visitors from all around the world and driving Hong Kong’s economic development. The 3RS will significantly enhance the overall capacity of the airport, further expanding our extensive air traffic network and consolidating our position as an international aviation hub.
John KC Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, shared:
“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the PRC [People’s Republic of China]. The three-runway system of HKIA has been completed and is now in operation, carrying passengers from around the country and cargo to more destinations, and providing more options for global passenger and cargo flow into the Mainland, which is particularly significant. HKIA is an important gateway to the world for Hong Kong and the entire Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, playing a strategic role in social and economic development.”
