Hong Kong International Airport Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Unveils Vision for Airport City
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) marked a significant milestone on July 6, 2023, celebrating 25 years of exceptional service and unveiling its ambitious Airport City vision. This world-renowned airport, which relocated from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island in 1998, has evolved into a global aviation hub and a driving force behind Hong Kong’s economic prosperity.
Over the years, HKIA, operated by the Airport Authority of Hong Kong (AAHK), has facilitated the travel of more than 1.2 billion passengers and handled 23 million tonnes of cargo, connecting Hong Kong with a vast network of over 220 destinations worldwide. The airport has received more than 100 awards recognizing its service excellence, commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and architectural distinction.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, the AAHK organized a captivating flash mob dance in the airport’s arrival hall, featuring over 200 performers from diverse airport community groups and local artists. Additionally, the AAHK launched a dedicated website and a social media campaign to showcase the airport’s rich history, remarkable milestones, and future aspirations.
Central to the anniversary celebrations, the AAHK revealed its transformative vision, known as the Airport City, aimed at evolving HKIA from a “city airport” into an “airport city.” This visionary concept seeks to seamlessly integrate core passenger and cargo services with commercial developments and multifaceted connectivity solutions. It also capitalizes on opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area (GBA) initiative, designed to unite Hong Kong, Macau, and nine southern Chinese cities into a dynamic economic and business nexus.
Key projects under the Airport City vision include the Three-runway System (3RS) to enhance capacity and competitiveness, SKYCITY—an expansive integrated development featuring retail, dining, entertainment, hotels, and office spaces—and the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to bolster connectivity with the GBA.
Jack So, Chairman of the AAHK, emphasized the crucial role HKIA has played in Hong Kong’s success during the past 25 years and affirmed its continued significance. He expressed confidence that, with the support of the airport community and stakeholders, the Airport City vision will be realized, propelling HKIA into an even more promising future.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, hongkongairport.com