Hong Kong International Airport launches three-runway system, boosting capacity and solidifying aviation hub status

The Three-Runway System (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was officially commissioned last week, marking a significant milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s aviation sector. Starting today, all three runways will operate concurrently, enhancing the airport’s capacity and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a key international aviation hub. HKIA aims to accommodate 120 million passengers and manage 10 million tonnes of cargo annually within the next decade.

Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, “The 3RS will significantly enhance the overall capacity of the airport, further expanding our extensive air traffic network and consolidating our position as an international aviation hub. The commissioning of the 3RS will provide impetus for the Airport City development and support Hong Kong’s economic growth. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths, the Airport City will be a world-leading new landmark, attracting visitors from all around the world and driving Hong Kong’s economic development.”

Details of the construction

Construction works of 3RS started in August 2016. The new North Runway was officially commissioned in November 2022. Since then, HKIA has continued to operate with two runways, with the Centre Runway temporarily closed temporarily for reconfiguration. The reconfiguration works include relevelling of the runway pavement to tie in with connecting taxiways, constructing new runway entry and exit taxiways, building new wrap-around taxiways at both ends of the runway, and more. With the completion of the reconfiguration works, the flight check and aircraft crash and rescue exercise were completed on the Centre Runway in September and October respectively. After all three runways start operating simultaneously, the number of aircraft take-offs and landings at HKIA will gradually increase to tie in with air traffic demand.