The three-runway system (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been fully commissioned, with all three runways operating simultaneously on 28 November 2024. The completion of this project provides the expanded capacity for HKIA, helping to meet the airport’s target to serve 120 million passengers and handle 10 mil t of cargo annually in about 10 years from now.

The 3RS project is a large-scale development that involved the formation of approximately 650 ha of land by reclamation (equivalent to 34 Victoria Parks in Hong Kong). Construction work started in August 2016, and the new North Runway was officially commissioned in November 2022.

Since then, HKIA has continued to operate with two runways, while the Centre Runway was temporarily closed for reconfiguration. The reconfiguration work included 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.

“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,” said Fred Lam, chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) at the commissioning ceremony.

“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.”

All images: AAHK