Hong Kong International Airport unveils ambitious Airport City plan to boost tourism and economic growth

Credit: he Airport City at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is expanding into a global landmark with the development of the Airport City. Spearheaded by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), the aim is to drive the economic development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK, said, “HKIA is a leading international aviation hub in Asia. With the three-runway system fully operating by the end of this year, we are in a position to press full steam ahead with innovative projects in different market segments. The expansion of the development blueprint will focus on leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages and creating synergy among various projects to transform the Airport City into a new landmark of Asia. It will be a distinct tourist hotspot for visitors from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and all over the world, especially premium visitors, injecting impetus into the economic growth of Hong Kong and the region.”

Details of the Airport City blueprint?

First unveiled in 2019, the Airport City blueprint combines the airport’s core functions with related business segments to create strong synergy, fully leveraging the airport’s unique geographical location with a view to seizing the opportunities brought by various new infrastructures. AAHK has since proactively taken forward various projects, including a new hotel and three Grade-A office towers, both opened for business already, as well as 11 SKIES, a complex integrating retail, dining and entertainment facilities scheduled to open in phases from the second half of 2025.

The expanded Airport City blueprint is underpinned by land resources on the Hong Kong Port Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the bay area between the airport island and Tung Chung, more than doubling the scale of development.

New projects include an ecosystem for the art industry, AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 development, a marina with ancillary facilities, a fresh food market, and more. These new projects will promote high-end commercial, tourism and leisure activities, and are expected to be completed from 2026 to 2031.

Ecosystem of art industry

To complement Hong Kong’s position as a leading international art hub, AAHK is formulating plans to create an art ecosystem at HKIA. It will be Hong Kong’s first one-stop project that puts art creation, appreciation and trade under one roof, with an art community that comprises galleries and studios. There will be a purpose-built large-scale storage facility bespoke for artwork, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. These art-related facilities will generate synergy with art exhibitions at AsiaWorld-Expo, propelling Hong Kong’s development into a world-class art marketplace.

Marina and ancillary facilities

AAHK will fully utilise the water resources adjacent to the airport island to introduce Hong Kong’s biggest marina and ancillary facilities, providing around 600 berths. This will enable the Airport City to become an unparalleled yacht tourism destination in Asia, especially in the Greater Bay Area. In addition, a diverse range of water leisure and recreation facilities will be developed.

Providing more public spaces

Different kinds of indoor and outdoor leisure, cultural, and entertainment facilities will be developed along the coastlines of the airport island and the Hong Kong Port Island, with hotel development and promenades of distinct characteristics. Public spaces will be interconnected for various kinds of festive celebrations that draw visitors.

AAHK is also making plans for a brand-new sports entertainment complex on the Hong Kong Port Island that will combine novel indoor and outdoor sports concepts for adventure, exploration, sports and entertainment. It will be positioned as a must-go destination for the public and visitors to enjoy sports and trendy activities.

Jet Fresh Market with characteristics

HKIA leads the world in air cargo, with supplies of fresh and high-end food products from around the globe. To fully leverage our strengths, AAHK is planning to develop a “Jet Fresh Market” on the Hong Kong Port Island to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the hub of high-end fresh foods from around the world. The market will offer an unrivalled vantage point for viewing aircraft movements, providing a one-of-a-kind gastronomy experience for tourists.

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