Hong Kong marked a historic moment in its aviation industry on Thursday with the opening of the HK$141 billion (US$18 billion) three-runway system as the city leader called for airlines to be more competitive.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu officiated the launch at Hong Kong International Airport, along with senior Beijing officials, and later broke the news of the possible return of a multi-entry visa scheme to lure more visitors from Shenzhen.
He said the government would strive to broaden the city’s aviation network and he expected the runway system would help boost the tourism, retail, and food and beverage sectors, as well as related industries.
“Hong Kong International Airport has links with close to 200 flight destinations, almost 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels,” Lee said.
“[The airport] has always been one of the best in the world, I hope the entire aviation industry can achieve full capacity in a speedy manner.”
The size of the land reclamation for the runway project was equal to 34 Victoria Parks. Builders needed more than 100,000 tonnes of asphalt to create the 3.8km (2.4-mile) third runway and accompanying taxiway.
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