Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) announced it had completed its new runway pavement works. The airport is on track to open its third runway in 2022, about six years after the beginning of construction.
The construction of the third runway is part of the Three-Runway System (3RS) project, which also includes terminal expansion and other infrastructural works at HKG airport.
Speaking at the ceremony held to mark the runway completion works on September 7, 2021, Jack So, Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, said that other works such as “expansion of Terminal 2 (T2), construction of T2 Concourse, a new automated people mover system and high-speed baggage handling system” will be completed in 2024.
After the expansion project is completed, HKG airport will be able to handle 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually, according to the statement.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) is also developing an Airport City at HKG airport comprising retail, dining and entertainment facilities, as well as office towers, a logistics center and a performance venue. These projects will be completed in phases from 2023 to 2027.
“3RS is an integral part of our vision to transform from a ‘city airport’ into an ‘Airport City’. According to an earlier forecast, 3RS would generate direct, indirect and induced contributions of about 5% of the gross domestic product of Hong Kong by 2030,” Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, remarked.