Hong Kong Airport Unveils Future Vision to Transform Aviation Connectivity and Growth

Image generated with Ai

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has appreciated the Chief Executive’s measures outlined in the First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address. The AAHK will support the goals of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to become one of the leading global aviation hubs. With the support of the government, the AAHK will work towards expanding air connectivity, improving the intermodal transport system within the Greater Bay Area, and enhancing the aviation ecosystem. The AAHK will also work towards improving the various projects envisioned within the Airport City. Projects are aimed at improving the value of HKIA in the international aviation market.

Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK, said, “We are grateful for and fully support the Chief Executive’s policy directions in the Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address to advance the airport’s development. As the Three-runway System continues to drive growth in passenger and cargo traffic, and major SKYTOPIA projects, including Hong Kong’s largest yacht bay development, are advancing at full speed, the airport has entered a new phase of development. We will continue to work closely with relevant policy bureaus, Government departments and airport business partners to take HKIA to new heights and strengthen our role as an engine for Hong Kong’s economic development.”

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) supports the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand Hong Kong’s international aviation connectivity through new bilateral air service agreements, broader traffic rights and initiatives encouraging airlines to introduce new destinations and increase flight frequencies. These measures will help strengthen Hong Kong’s long-haul network, expand connections with Belt and Road countries, contribute to the development of the “Air Silk Road”, and promote stronger passenger and air cargo cooperation with international markets.

AAHK will continue supporting Hong Kong’s integration into the national civil aviation development strategy by working with airlines to develop new routes, enhance existing services and improve connectivity between Hong Kong, Mainland cities and global destinations. Through the implementation of the “Trunk-Branch Connectivity, Whole-Network Linkage” concept, supported by seamless transit services and through check-in facilities, HKIA will further utilise its international hub position to connect Mainland cities with worldwide markets and support the coordinated growth of domestic and international aviation networks.

In the air cargo sector, AAHK expressed continued support for the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park project, which is designed to strengthen cargo integration between Hong Kong International Airport and the Greater Bay Area. Since the launch of the pilot programme in 2023, international air cargo handled through the facility from the Greater Bay Area has recorded continuous growth. The first phase of the permanent facility, developed and funded by AAHK, is expected to begin operations in 2027 with an annual handling capacity of one million tonnes, further enhancing HKIA’s international cargo capabilities and supporting regional logistics development.

AAHK also welcomed the Government’s plans to create a new aviation industry ecosystem, including the development of aircraft parts processing and trading capabilities. The introduction of a new visa category for non-local participants attending recognised short-term training programmes in Hong Kong will further support the city’s ambition to become a regional aviation training centre and attract international talent.

The authority supports the Government’s efforts to establish a globally competitive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) value chain. AAHK will collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to encourage the growth of aviation-related new energy industries and contribute to the wider development of the SAF sector.

AAHK also welcomed the acceleration of major transport infrastructure projects linked to the Northern Metropolis, including the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link and studies on its potential future extension southward. These developments are expected to strengthen transport connections between the Northern Metropolis and HKIA while further improving the airport’s integrated transportation network.

As part of the Airport City development vision, AAHK will continue supporting initiatives that promote the “yacht economy” and enhance yacht connectivity across the Greater Bay Area. The authority is inviting expressions of interest from global investors and industry partners for the SKYTOPIA marina project, with a tender process planned for next year. The first phase of the marina development is targeted for completion in 2028/29, adding a new dimension to Hong Kong’s tourism, leisure and waterfront economy.