Hong Kong International Airport’s expanded Terminal 2 (T2) departure hall is expected to commence operations as early as March next year, with around 15 airlines set to move in in phases, according to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).

Speaking to Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister publication, Wing Yeung Tat-wing of AAHK revealed that the airlines have already been formally notified of the move.

He described the distinct styles of the two terminals: “If Terminal 1 (T1) evokes the sophistication of Central’s Landmark, T2 will embody the youthful and vibrant energy of Tsim Sha Tsui’s K11 mall.”

Located adjacent to the Airport Express station, the new T2 will offer seamless connectivity for passengers, said Yeung.

Upon arriving at the airport station, commuters will find T1 on the left and T2 on the right, just steps away from the train doors. “Passengers won’t have to worry about taking the wrong exit—both terminals are just a short walk away,” he said.

During a recent visit, reporters observed the ongoing construction from the rooftop of an office building between the two terminals. The wave-shaped T2 departure hall sits near T1, separated only by the Airport Express station and an indoor coach lounge, which will open ahead of schedule on September 23 this year.

Yeung confirmed that six retail outlets, including dining options and convenience stores, have already been secured for the coach lounge.

Unlike many global airports where different terminals have separate rail stations, Hong Kong’s setup ensures convenience, with taxis and buses positioned equidistant between T1 and T2. The only difference is that passengers heading to T2 will pass through the coach lounge before reaching check-in counters, adding just a few extra meters to their journey.

The T2 concourse—located between the third runway and the central runway—will not be directly connected to the main T2 building. Instead, travelers will use a new automated people mover system to reach the concourse in just 2.5 minutes after check-in.

Even though not linked directly, Yeung said T2 will be well-connected to other key airport facilities. Three underground walkways will connect T1 and T2 beneath the Airport Express station.

“The distance is very short—passengers can reach T2 from T1 in just a few minutes via escalators,” Yeung explained. Additionally, T2 will be directly connected to the upcoming shopping complex 11 SKIES, making post-arrival shopping more convenient than ever.

“Walking between terminals and 11 SKIES will be easier than crossing bridges between malls in Tsuen Wan,” he quipped.

With a fresh, tech-savvy design, T2 will cater to younger travelers by offering more self-service facilities, according to the AAHK official.

Yeung likened the concept to an “airport version of K11,” aligning with airlines like HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines, which prioritize self-check-in.

The initial phase will see 15 airlines operating from T2, handling about 20 percent of the airport’s passenger traffic. Alongside local carriers, regional airlines such as AirAsia are expected to benefit from the terminal’s flexible capacity.

(Marco Lam)

HK airport’s T2 departure hall set for March 2026 debut, with 15 airlines to move in