Hong Kong International Airport master plan announced
02-Jun-2011 Public feedback is being sought on Hong Kong International Airport’s future development direction, such as the possible construction of a third runway.
The Airport Authority released the airport's Master Plan 2030 today, which outlines two development options for public consultation.
The first is to maintain the two-runway system, but make enhancements to the terminal and apron facilities to increase capacity. This option will enable the airport to handle a maximum of 420,000 flight movements a year, with annual passenger and cargo throughput increased to 74 million and 6 million tonnes.
The estimated cost is about $23.4 billion in 2010 dollars or $42.5 billion at money-of-the-day prices. It will increase airport jobs from 62,000 in 2008 to 101,000 by 2030, and generate $432 billion in 2009 dollars in economic net present value over a 50-year lifespan up to 2061.
However, the authority said this option can only meet the estimated air traffic demand in the medium term, adding the airport will reach its maximum runway capacity in 2020.
Meeting demand
The second option envisages the building of a third runway and its associated terminal, airfield and apron facilities, which requires the reclamation of 650 hectares of land north of the airport island.
With a third runway and its associated facilities, the airport will be able to handle 620,000 flights a year, and meet forecast annual passenger and cargo throughput of about 97 million and 8.9 million tonnes by 2030.
It is estimated to cost about $86.2 billion in 2010 dollars or $136.2 billion at money-of-the-day prices. It will increase the number of airport jobs to 141,000 by 2030 and generate an economic net present value of $912 billion in 2009 dollars up to 2061.
This option will enable the airport to meet forecast traffic demand and maintain its extensive air network and connectivity up to and possibly beyond 2030.
Sustainable balance
Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng said a sustainable balance must be maintained between infrastructure and environmental protection.
"I do not think we should necessarily take it that infrastructure and environmental protection cannot go hand in hand; or which poses one against each other. We need to find a sustainable balance," she said.
"We expect to receive a recommendation on the way forward from the authority by the end of the year after the completion of the public consultation. The Government will carefully consider the recommendation, with a view to deciding on the next stage of work. This mainly includes funding arrangements, detailed engineering design and statutory environmental impact assessment.
"In taking this forward, the Government and the authority will liaise with stakeholders and carry out appropriate consultations."