Commissioning date set for Hong Kong’s new Three Runway System

Hong Kong International Airport’s new Three Runway System (3RS) is set be commissioned on November 28th.

After the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has acquired the aerodrome licence and the 3RS has been commissioned, all three runways will be operating under the 3RS.

AAHK targets to obtain the aerodrome licence in November 2024, covering the operation of the existing South Runway and North Runway, the reconfigured Centre Runway, the associated taxiways and supporting facilities.

Despite the new North Runway officially being commissioned in November 2022, the airport continued to operate with two runways due to the temporary closure of the Centre Runway for reconfiguration work.

This included re-levelling 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.

With successful completion of flight check at the Centre Runway this September, AAHK continues to take forward the preparatory work for the commissioning of the 3RS, including last month’s aircraft crash and rescue exercise on the Centre Runway.

As for 3RS passenger facilities, AAHK will start gearing up with business partners with a view to commissioning the expanded Terminal 2 by phases from end 2025 onwards.

Preparatory work includes the on-site preparation for various passenger service, leasing of retail and service outlets, among others.