Airport Authority Welcomes Support from The Budget Reinforcing HKIA’s Role as International Aviation Hub

(HONG KONG, 28 February 2024 – 1900hrs) - Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) welcomes the various measures announced by Financial Secretary in his Budget 2024/25 to reinforce Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) role as an international aviation hub.

AAHK is taking forward various development projects, including Airport City, Three-runway System (3RS) expansion, air cargo developments, nurturing talent, and more. The 3RS project is progressing as planned. The third runway has commenced operation in 2022, and the entire project will complete this year as scheduled. AAHK also welcomes initiatives that leverage the development of the “Air Silk Road” to reinforce and expand Hong Kong’s aviation network, focusing on current major routes and routes along the Belt and Road with potential, and strengthening the aviation services between Hong Kong and related countries.

HKIA has long been the world’s busiest cargo airport, and the international air cargo hub of the Greater Bay Area. AAHK is developing the HKIA Logistics Park in Dongguan and a novel intermodal cargo transshipment model, under which air cargo can be shipped directly from Dongguan to the airside of HKIA by sea. The new model will reduce business cost and enhance operation efficiency. A pilot scheme has commenced in April last year, and the first-phase construction of the permanent facility in Dongguan is scheduled to complete in 2025. Meanwhile, we are enhancing our air cargo service for high-value and temperature-controlled goods, while collaborating with Zhuhai to develop international cargo business.

AAHK welcomes the introduction of various funding schemes that promote the development of the aviation industry and the opportunities available, attract talent and enhance manpower development. AAHK is committed to making HKIA the world’s greenest airport. We are conducting a study on how policies and infrastructure, among others measures, could encourage more airlines to use sustainable aviation fuel in Hong Kong.