HK$141.5 Billion Third Runway Project Drives HKIA to Leading Asian Hub Status

In 2025, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reached a significant operational milestone, recording 61 million passenger trips, which represents a 15% increase over the previous year. This growth follows the first full year of functionality for the airport's three-runway system, a HK$141.5 billion infrastructure investment designed to bolster long-term capacity. According to the Airport Authority, the year-end performance was particularly robust due to a surge in travel during the December holiday period, during which daily passenger volumes consistently exceeded 200,000 over an eight-day span. Total flight movements for the year also rose by 8.7%, reaching 394,730 operations, while cargo throughput experienced a 2.7% uptick to approximately 5.07 million tonnes.

Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung Kar-fay attributed these results to HKIA’s strengthened global connectivity and its status as a premier aviation hub in Asia. Throughout 2025, the airport expanded its network by introducing 30 new international destinations—including Brussels, Abu Dhabi, and Dallas—while simultaneously increasing flight frequencies on established primary routes. Furthermore, the Airport Authority noted that regional integration within the Greater Bay Area has been improved through the introduction of specialized services, such as the Terminal 2 coach hall and "Park and Fly" initiatives, which streamline transit for passengers coming from mainland China and Macau.

December 2025 specifically illustrated this upward trend, with 5.8 million passengers and a 13.5% year-on-year increase in volume. Transfer and transit traffic also saw double-digit growth during this period, particularly on routes involving North America, Southeast Asia, and the mainland. The cargo sector mirrored this success in December, with transshipments rising by 18% as trade with Europe and Southeast Asia intensified. This surge in logistical and passenger activity aligns with the strategic goal of the three-runway project, which aims to eventually support 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2035.

From a strategic perspective, the expanded capacity is essential for maintaining Hong Kong’s competitive edge within Beijing's Greater Bay Area economic framework. Experts emphasize that the airport's success is predicated not only on its role as a terminal destination but also on its efficiency as a transit point. By enhancing its infrastructure and service offerings, HKIA seeks to solidify its reputation for operational excellence, ensuring that it remains the preferred gateway for international travelers and global trade in an increasingly competitive regional market.