Hong Kong’s new airfield taking shape with re-designation of North Runway

Hong Kong International Airport’s existing North Runway (07L/25R) has been re-designated as the Centre Runway (07C/25C), signifying an important milestone for the expansion of the airport into a Three-runway System (3RS).

The move, which is in line with ICAO requirements, means that the airport’s new third runway will be known as North Runway (07L/25R) when it opens to traffic in 2022.

Vivian Cheung, Airport Authority Hong Kong’s executive director for airport operations, said: “Though the final changeover took only one night, the entire process has started over a year ago involving meticulous planning and close communications with other runway users.

“Apart from system upgrade and airfield works, all necessary updates on equipment, operation plans, procedures and manuals have been updated as well.”

In addition to the runway re-designation, other preparation work for the targeted commissioning of the Third Runway in 2022 will include exercises, drills, trials and documentation work. Thereafter, the Centre Runway will be closed for reconfiguration, conducted in parallel with other works of the 3RS project, with the target of completing the construction of the 3RS in 2024 as planned.

The $18 billion 3RS project comprises involves the construction of a third runway and associated taxiways, the third runway passenger building and an apron on 650 hectares of reclaimed land.

Upon completion of the 3RS, the airport will be capable of handling an additional 30 million passengers annually, ensuring that it will be equipped to handle up to 100 million passengers and nine million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030.