The third runway at Hong Kong’s airport formally opened for business on Thursday, but for at least another year, there won’t be much more aircraft capacity. The city’s Civil Aviation Department has released documents indicating that aircraft movement will only increase by 4% during the upcoming summer season, which runs from March to October 2025. The city’s sluggish aviation recovery following the pandemic is reflected in the gradual ramp-up. Major international airlines are finding it difficult to choose the airport, especially those that must fly over Russian territory, which necessitates a longer round-trip flight, while incumbent airline Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. is still not fully recovered.
In general, street protests and draconian measures that hurt the city’s economy, tourism, and businesses continue to harm Hong Kong’s reputation. Although the city’s total visitor numbers have nearly returned to their pre-pandemic levels, a large number of visitors are now arriving by land or water from mainland China. According to Vivian Cheung, interim CEO of operator Airport Authority Hong Kong, the new runway is “going to be there for a long, long time.” This runway wasn’t meant to be used up in a single season or two. It takes time for even our base carrier to increase flying volume.
How is the city’s standing in the Bay Area and around the world improved by the new system?
Experts think the new system strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a major international center and in the Bay Area. On Wednesday, the Airport Authority, which oversees the airport, also paid 4.3 billion yuan (US$592.8 million) to purchase a 35% share in nearby Zhuhai Airport. As part of its mission to make Hong Kong a key hub and link between mainland China and the rest of the globe, Beijing is taking steps to increase the city’s air transport capacity.
