Future Development

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is an international and regional aviation hub, and is widely recognised for its operational excellence. Through our extensive aviation network, the airport connects people from different parts of the world easily, and together supports the continuous growth of the pillar industries of Hong Kong. Also, we have pledged to be the world's greenest airport, the first commitment of its kind worldwide. We will work hand-in-hand with stakeholders on future airport development, and grow together, sustainably, with Hong Kong.

In March 2012, the Government gave its in-principle approval for the Airport Authority (AA) to adopt, in planning purposes, the three-runway option as the future development direction for HKIA. The AA embarked upon a three-phase process of project planning, approval and implementation. We are committed to approaching the upcoming work in a highly prudent, transparent and professional manner as always, working closely with all stakeholders along the way.

The AA commissioned a trial on a special land formation method called Deep Cement Mixing (DCM), which is suggested for the proposed construction of a third runway, in January 2012. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the engineering feasibility and potential environmental impact of DCM on contaminated mud pits in Hong Kong.

HKIA has kick-started the phase 1 of Midfield development to cope with the increasing passenger traffic and needs for parking stands in the medium term. The project includes the construction of a Midfield Concourse; 20 aircraft parking stands; an Automated People Mover (APM) extending from Terminal 1; a cross-field taxiway; and other supporting facilities.

With over 35 green features, the Midfield Concourse is designed to be highly environmentally-friendly and aspires to be one of the first BEAM Plus Gold Standard certified buildings in Hong Kong.

HKIA is one of the finest and busiest airports in the world. The airport not only connects Hong Kong with the world but also makes significant social and economic contributions to the city. To strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness and meet growing aviation demand, HKIA needs to be further developed. Hence, the AA has put forward the Master Plan 2030 which outlines two options for future airport developments.

The first step of the master planning process for HKIA is to determine the long-term air traffic demand forecast up to 2030. Commissioned to undertake this task, IATA Consulting forecast air traffic demand to reach about 97 million passengers, 8.9 million tonnes of cargo and 602,000 flight movements per year by 2030.

As an international and regional aviation centre, HKIA is a critical infrastructure that supports Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international business, financial, tourism and logistics hub. The Master Plan 2030 has evaluated the potential economic benefits from further airport development under the two options.

To plan ahead for future demand growth and maintain Hong Kong's competitive edge, the AA developed the Master Plan 2030 and suggested two development options for HKIA – to upgrade the existing two-runway system or to develop HKIA into a three-runway system.

Like any other airports in the world, HKIA has its limitation, for example, runway capacity. The capacity is affected by numerous factors including flight safety regulations, airspace limitations and geographical constraints. The runway capacity of the present two-runway system is expected to reach its saturation point around 2020.

When preparing the Master Plan 2030, a preliminary environmental assessment was conducted to ensure that the recommended airport expansion layout under Option 2 should minimise environmental impact as far as possible. Potential noise impact of the three-runway system has been assessed in the Master Plan 2030 using Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) contours. Preliminary projections indicate that NEF levels under a three-runway system would not differ significantly from the 1998 levels.

If HKIA was to be developed into a three-runway system, reclamation of about 650 hectares of land in the north of the airport island is needed. While about 40% of the proposed reclamation area falls upon an area of contaminated mud pits that are of lower marine ecology value, a method calls "Deep Cement Mixing" is recommended for the reclamation in this area to minimise disturbance to the contaminated mud.

The AA is committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainable development of the airport. Adhering to the three main principles - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, numerous green initiatives have been incorporated into many aspects of the airport from its design, construction and daily operations to future planning.

HKIA constantly upgrades its facilities and capacity to meet future demands. In 2010, HKIA completed the HK$4.5 billion enhancement programme for the airfield and passenger terminal which began in 2006. HKIA has started the Phase I Development of Midfield, the only large-scale undeveloped area on the airport island. The HK$7 billion project includes the building of a passenger concourse with 20 aircraft stands, additional taxiways, and the extension of the Automatic People Mover to connect with the new midfield concourse.