HKIA Debuts Free Layover City Tours to Enrich Transfer Experience

(Hong Kong, 5 September 2025, 1300hrs) – Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) today launched a new free local tour service designed exclusively for transfer passengers to explore Hong Kong’s distinctive culture and iconic attractions, all within a single layover. Tour participants can enjoy exclusive fast-track immigration clearance upon their arrival and departure at HKIA, ensuring smooth access in and out of the restricted areas and timely boarding.

The new tour service is jointly organised by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Trip.com. Air-to-air transfer passengers with a layover of at least seven hours can join for free.

The launch ceremony hosted at the airport today was officiated by Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, and her counterpart at Trip.com Jane Sun, who jointly unveiled the new offering for global travellers.

Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK said, “We are delighted to introduce the new free local tour service for transfer passengers at HKIA to turn transit time into cultural exploration opportunities. With the support from Trip.com, we look forward to presenting Hong Kong’s unique beauty to travellers from around the world and promoting tourism, through which we aim to attract more passengers to transfer at Hong Kong and strengthen HKIA’s position as a premier international aviation hub.”

Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Trip.com Group remarked, “We believe the future of travel lies not only in reaching destinations, but in transforming every moment into a unique and memorable experience. By reimagining every point in the journey as an opportunity, we are opening new ways to inspire travellers, empower destinations, and set a new standard for how the global travel ecosystem fosters connection and drives growth.”

The itinerary of the tours is specially designed for transfer passengers to experience Hong Kong’s unique features within a half-day timeframe. The free tours include the “Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk”, which provides guided walks through the storied neighbourhoods of historical Hong Kong, and the “Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey”, featuring an evening immersed in the city’s iconic harbour night views. Beginning in December 2025, the “Serenity & Stories: A Harmony Journey” will showcase Hong Kong’s charming countryside. In addition to the free tours, travellers may choose from a selection of paid tours provided by Trip.com for other in-depth exploration of Hong Kong.

To join the tours, travellers must hold a valid visa or meet the entry requirements set by the Hong Kong SAR Government.  Eligible transfer passengers can either pre-book the service online before their departure to Hong Kong or register on-site at HKIA upon arrival. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Free Layover Tour is the first service of HKIA’s wider Transfer Programme, which will include an array of offerings, such as interactive mobile games and cultural workshops, to elevate the transfer experience at HKIA for passengers with varying layover durations and interests. More services are scheduled in the coming two months.

For details of the Free Layover Tour service, please refer to https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/free-layover-tour.page