Work is progressing on Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKG) Three-runway System project, designed to strengthen its status as an international aviation hub, and to cater for the city’s long-term air traffic demand.

The third runway was commissioned in November 2022 and involves the reclamation of approximately 650 hectares of land north of the existing airport island. A 3,800-m long runway and supporting taxiway is being built, alongside the expansion of Terminal 2.

Ricky Chong, assistant general manager, air network development, said the scheme would help to “create tremendous growth opportunities for airlines and other business partners."

“With the completion of the Three-runway System expected by the end of 2024, our long-term strategy focuses on expanding HKG’s network and reinforcing our international hub status by attracting airlines to open new destinations and leveraging the market potential of the Greater Bay Area and Mainland China,” he explained.

Passenger traffic at the airport has recovered to about 66% of pre-pandemic levels as the rebuilding of connectivity continues. In early October, Cathay Pacific resumed flights to Chicago, while Vietjet confirmed plans to start flying to HKG from Hanoi in December.