The long-awaited Three-Runway System (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport, commissioned on November 28, is set to reinforce the city’s status as a regional aviation hub, providing the capacity to meet the projected air traffic demand of 120 million passengers by 2035.

In fact, the new North Runway officially became operational in November 2022, while the Centre Runway was temporarily closed for reconfiguration. The 3RS encompasses the operation of the existing South and North Runways, the reconfigured Centre Runway, along with the associated taxiways and supporting facilities.

Welcoming the development, Tommy Tam, managing director of Arrow Travel Agency, stated: “Additional capacity means more time slots for foreign carriers, and for end users, we hope airfare will become more attractive to stimulate travel demand next year. We also see opportunities for more transit flights in Hong Kong – a high-yield segment for airlines. In short, the 3RS will (strengthen) the city’s role as an aviation hub.”

Emphasising that the 3RS increases air capacity, Larry Lo, CEO of Corporate Travel Management Asia, commented: “It reinforces Hong Kong’s position as an economic powerhouse and a stronger aviation hub in the region, connecting East and West—particularly in the fast-growing Greater Bay Area, where seamless transport links are essential.

“In fact, we foresee (that) this significant infrastructure enhancement will provide additional capacity for both passengers and cargo, (while offering greater) flexibility to airlines to add new destinations or restore routes. It will improve airport efficiency, especially during peak seasons and weather disruptions, and elevate the overall travel experience, enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness. As a result, we anticipate it will boost the city’s appeal for foreign investment, business activities, leisure visits, and talent recruitment.”

Lo added: “In the long term, we expect Hong Kong to expand its route network, increase flight options, and enhance the airport experience to cater to global demands. As the airport serves as visitors’ first impression of Hong Kong, we believe the third runway will create new opportunities to showcase the city and deliver memorable experiences.”

Cathay Pacific Airways noted that its group airlines are expected to resume 100 per cent of pre-pandemic flight levels by January 2025.

Nikki Pang, head of business at Lightfoot Travel, pointed out that with increased flight routes – and often lower-cost options – available from nearby airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Hong Kong risks losing passengers unless it quickly increases both flight frequency and routes. She described the 3RS as a welcome addition to the city’s aviation sector, underscoring the energy and resources Hong Kong is investing in building its reputation as a premier aviation hub.

“The third runway, combined with new flight routes (to destinations like Saudi Arabia and Cairns) and intensive pilot training conducted by the various airlines, should speed up Hong Kong’s air capacity recovery, which has lagged behind other Asian cities in the post-Covid phase… these developments (will help meet) our clients’ surging demand for a variety of destinations, flight frequency, and value of flights.”