New Three-Runway System opens today, set to boost capacity and economic growth

The newly completed three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport, which has incurred an investment of HK$141.5 billion and required 13 years from the initiation of public consultation to full operational status, is scheduled to officially launch at noon today. 

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, alongside other officials, will participate in the opening ceremony, which signifies a significant advancement in the aviation development of the city.

The Airport Authority (AA) expects the new system to gradually increase aircraft movement capacity from the current 69 movements per hour to 102 movements per hour. By 2035, the airport aims to handle 120 million passengers and 10 million tons of cargo annually.

A 2015 study by an independent consultant projected that the three-runway system would contribute HK$184 billion to Hong Kong's economy by 2030, accounting for 4.9 percent of the GDP. This growth is anticipated to come from increased passenger and cargo volumes and the introduction of more budget airlines.

Law Cheung-kwok, a senior adviser at the Chinese University's Aviation Policy and Research Centre, noted the potential growth in low-cost carriers. He mentioned that while regions like Singapore and Thailand see over 30 percent of their routes operated by low-cost airlines, Hong Kong's figure stands at about 12 percent. The new runway system is expected to attract more budget airlines, boosting tourist numbers and enhancing Hong Kong's status as a travel hub.

Despite the expansion, challenges remain, especially in recovering pre-pandemic passenger volumes, which previously reached 70 million visitors annually. Geopolitical factors and a decrease in long-distance flights continue to pose limitations.

Furthermore, the ongoing China–United States trade war and other geopolitical tensions have impacted international flights, with airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines reducing or ceasing their operations to Hong Kong due to restrictions on flying through Russian airspace.

On the logistics front, Hong Kong Airport maintained its position as the world's busiest cargo airport last year, handling 4.33 million tonnes of cargo. Elsa Yuen May-yee, president of the Hong Kong Logistics Association, expressed optimism that the three-runway system would boost re-exports and attract more low-cost carriers, further solidifying Hong Kong's role as a major aviation and freight hub.

Despite potential challenges from the trade war, Yuen remains confident in Hong Kong's appeal as an entrepôt , thanks to its low tax rates and efficient customs procedures. The new runway system is poised to enhance Hong Kong's connectivity and economic contributions significantly.

A ceremony was held on the three runways to commemorate this iconic moment. The Airport Authority arranged for three aircraft to take off and land simultaneously on the three runways.

As observed at the scene, a Cathay Pacific CX8333 passenger aircraft carrying students was the first to take off from the Centre Runway. Subsequently, a Hong Kong Airlines HX238 flight departed from the South Runway bound for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Meanwhile, a Greater Bay Airlines flight HB861 from Zhoushan, Zhejiang, landed on the North Runway in Hong Kong.