Hong Kong International Airport Both, modern and vibrant, Hong Kong is among the world's most captivating cities, with something for everyone here. As a regional hub for finance, trade and tourism, Hong Kong now has an international airport that complements the surge in activity. On Monday, July 6, 1998, the Hong Kong International Airport opened its doors on Lantau Island for operation, replacing the old airport at Kai Tak. The opening concluded one of 10 infrastructures which generated major change in Hong Kong's transport system. It also provided new land for use that stretches to office buildings and housing. Developments in transportation structures include 34 km of expressways and tunnels, a high-speed rail link connecting the airport with Hong Kong's urban centres, the world's longest road-rail suspension bridge and a third cross-harbour tunnel link. As statutory government bodies, the Airport Authority and MTR Corporation continue to manage the airport operations and transport railway, whilst the private sector operates individual businesses on the island. The completion of the Hong Kong International Airport marks the conclusion of the $155.3 billion in money of the Day(MOD) terms Airport Core Programme and is Hong Kong's largest construction project to date. Efficiency The airport covers a site area of 1,248 hectares and operates around the clock all year long. It has the capacity to handle up to 35 million passengers and 3 million tonnes of cargo per year (with a future planned annual throughput capacity for 87 million and 9 million respectively). There has been an increase in capacity of 5.5 million passengers and 1.44 tonnes and gives Hong Kong number one ranking in international air cargo throughput (passengers). A second runway opened in May 1999. Travel between Hong Kong's urban areas and the airport is facilitated and simplified through in-town check-in facilities available at both Hong Kong and Kowloon Airport Express Station. As the backbone of the city-to-airport transport infrastructure, the Airport Railway carries about 40% of air passengers between Central and the airport in approximately 23 minutes. Other features include 144 retail outlets, 48 frontal aircraft gates, 288 check-in counters, 224 immigration control desks and 12 baggage reclaim units which all aim to facilitate a hassle-free journey through customs and arrival at Hong Kong's city-centre. The substantial passenger facilities include parking spaces, bus stops, moving walkways(54), lounge seating and flight information display boards, as well as greater facilities for the physically challenged. The air-conditioned Passenger Terminal Building also houses the Hong Kong SkyMart, banks, a post office, police report centres, pay phones, help phones, power phones, money exchange outlets, nursing rooms, business centres, hotel-reservation centres, left-luggage service, prayer rooms and VIP lounges. With a flexible, modular design, the terminal can be expanded to meet growing demand. Airport Departure Airport departure tax is at HK$50 for those aged 12 and above. Transfer/transit passengers taking connecting flight before midnight of the same day are exempted from paying the departure tax. Always allow sufficient time (around 2 hours) for immigration and customs clearance. Complimentary in-town check-in services are available at airline counters at the Airport Express Hong Kong and Kowloon stations, for Airport Express passengers only. Hand baggage carried onto the aircraft should not exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. Please note: Airline departures and arrivals are not announced; there are flight information display boards and monitors throughout the airport. Go to the official Hong Kong International Airport web site.