The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) inaugurated today its Three-Runway System (3RS), an expansion aimed at increasing its operational capacity and reinforcing its position as one of the leading global hubs.
The terminal is aimed at handling 120 million passengers and 10 million tons of cargo annually in the next decade. This expansion is part of a broader plan to improve air connectivity and meet the growing demand for passengers and cargo.
The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong; Fred Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Airport Authority (AAHK), among other officials.
In his speech, John KC Lee highlighted that the launch of the 3RS coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. «The HKIA three-runway system has been completed and is now in operation, transporting passengers from across the country and cargo to more destinations,» Lee said. He also noted that the new infrastructure will improve air transport options to and from the mainland.
For his part, Fred Lam emphasized that the new infrastructure will increase the airport’s capacity, potentially facilitating the expansion of the air traffic network. «The 3RS will significantly enhance the overall capacity of the airport, further expanding our extensive air traffic network,» Lam noted, also mentioning that the system is expected to drive the development of the Airport City project.
The construction of the three-runway system began in August 2016 and the new north runway, built on reclaimed land, entered service in November 2022. During the process, HKIA operated with two runways while the central runway was reconfigured. The works included leveling the runway, building new taxiways, and upgrading safety infrastructure. After completing the adjustments, the central runway was fully operational in September and October 2024, following flight tests and rescue drills.
With all three runways now operational, each 3,800 meters long and 60 meters wide, a gradual increase in takeoff and landing capacity is expected, adapting to the demand for air traffic. However, it remains to be seen how this expansion will affect the airport’s long-term competitiveness, considering the impact of the pandemic.
In 2023, Hong Kong airport handled 39.9 million passengers, just over half of the 71 million in 2019. Between January and October 2024, the traffic reached 43.2 million passengers, a 38% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Regarding cargo, its historic leadership worldwide remains intact, managing 4.3 million tons in 2023, 3.2% more than the previous year.
