List of Airports in Hong Kong
As of 2024, there are 3 airports throughout the country of Hong Kong according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Hong Kong are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Hong Kong
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong International Airport / HKIA | HKG | Hong Kong | Huge |
| 2 | Kwun Tong | KTZ | Kwun Tong | Small |
| 3 | Shek Mum Airport | QDM | Shek Mum | Small |
Major Airports in Hong Kong
1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Airport Code: HKG
Time Zone: UTC +8 (Hong Kong Time)
Address: Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Nearby Cities:
- Hong Kong Central (20 miles)
- Kowloon (15 miles)
- Sha Tin (25 miles)
- Tuen Mun (20 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Cathay Pacific
- Hong Kong Airlines
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- British Airways
- Qatar Airways
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Over 70 million passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, approximately 20 miles from the city center of Hong Kong. It officially opened on July 6, 1998, replacing the old Kai Tak Airport, which had been operational since 1925. The new airport was constructed on reclaimed land, and its location on Lantau Island was chosen for its ability to handle more traffic and its distance from the densely populated areas of the city.
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, consistently ranking among the top airports for both passenger traffic and cargo throughput. The construction of the airport was a monumental task, requiring extensive engineering to create the land and build the terminal, runways, and infrastructure. It was also designed to support Hong Kong’s growing role as an international financial and tourism hub. The airport serves as a major gateway to China and the rest of Asia, as well as Europe, North America, and other international destinations.
Over the years, HKG has undergone numerous expansions and improvements, including the opening of the SkyCity entertainment and shopping complex, the North Satellite Concourse, and enhancements to cargo facilities. Hong Kong International Airport remains a crucial part of Hong Kong’s economy and is a central player in global aviation.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the most technologically advanced and largest airports in the world.
- Runways:
- Runway 07/25: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), Asphalt
- Runway 13/31: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), Asphalt
The two parallel runways at Hong Kong International are among the longest in the world, capable of accommodating the largest wide-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. These runways allow HKG to handle large volumes of both passenger and cargo flights, ensuring it remains a major global hub.
The airport has multiple passenger terminals, including the Terminal 1 and the North Satellite Concourse, which are equipped with extensive retail and dining options, lounges, and premium services for both international and domestic travelers. It also houses a Cargo Terminal, capable of handling a wide range of goods, making HKG one of the world’s busiest airports in terms of cargo traffic. The airport’s efficient baggage handling system, transportation links (such as the Airport Express Train), and connectivity to the city center make it one of the most convenient airports for travelers.
2. Kai Tak International Airport (Old HKG)
Airport Code: HKG (historical)
Time Zone: UTC +8 (Hong Kong Time)
Address: Kai Tak Airport, Kowloon, Hong Kong (now closed)
Nearby Cities:
- Hong Kong Central (4 miles)
- Kowloon (2 miles)
- Sha Tin (15 miles)
- Tuen Mun (15 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Cathay Pacific
- British Airways
- Pan Am
- Singapore Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approx. 30 million passengers annually (before closure in 1998).
Airport Location and History
Kai Tak International Airport was the primary airport for Hong Kong for over 70 years, located in Kowloon, a densely populated area of the city. The airport operated from 1925 until its closure in 1998 when it was replaced by the new Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at Chek Lap Kok.
The airport was famous for its challenging approach, where pilots had to fly over densely packed buildings and perform sharp turns to land, especially given the airport’s location near Victoria Harbour. This led to the airport being widely regarded as one of the most difficult airports to land at. Despite its challenges, Kai Tak was one of the world’s busiest airports, connecting Hong Kong to cities around the globe.
Kai Tak became a symbol of Hong Kong’s post-war growth and economic prosperity. In the decades following World War II, it supported an expanding global aviation network and played a crucial role in Hong Kong’s development as a major financial and trading center. However, by the 1980s, Kai Tak could no longer accommodate the larger aircraft of the modern era, and its closure was inevitable. The new airport at Chek Lap Kok was built with modern facilities and a more efficient layout to replace Kai Tak’s limited infrastructure.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Kai Tak Airport had a single runway that was 3,390 meters (11,120 feet) long and could accommodate wide-body aircraft of its time, such as the Boeing 747. However, the airport’s location in a heavily urbanized area meant that it had limited capacity for expansion. The runway was known for its challenging approach, where aircraft had to perform a sharp turn around Hong Kong’s tall buildings to land.
After the airport’s closure, the site was redeveloped into the Kai Tak Development Area, which includes residential, commercial, and leisure facilities, and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Despite being closed for over two decades, Kai Tak remains an iconic part of Hong Kong’s aviation history.
3. Hong Kong-China Ferry Terminal (HKCFT)
Airport Code: N/A (Ferry Terminal)
Time Zone: UTC +8 (Hong Kong Time)
Address: Hong Kong-China Ferry Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Nearby Cities:
- Hong Kong Central (5 miles)
- Kowloon (0 miles)
- Sha Tin (12 miles)
- Tuen Mun (20 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- This is a ferry terminal, not an airport, serving various ferry operators to China and Macau.
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Over 10 million ferry passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
While not an airport, the Hong Kong-China Ferry Terminal is a key transportation hub connecting Hong Kong to mainland China and Macau. Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Kowloon, it offers a wide range of ferry services, particularly to and from the Guangdong province in China. The terminal is a vital part of Hong Kong’s transportation infrastructure, connecting travelers who may not be using the air route but prefer ferry services across the Pearl River Delta.
The ferry terminal has been operational for decades, serving as a gateway for tourists, business travelers, and commuters traveling between Hong Kong and China. Its location in the heart of Kowloon makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. Though the terminal’s primary function is ferry transportation, it is a critical complement to Hong Kong’s air and land-based transportation systems.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Hong Kong-China Ferry Terminal consists of a multi-level facility designed to handle high volumes of ferry passengers. It is equipped with a range of services, including customs and immigration facilities, waiting areas, and retail shops.
- Number of Docks: 10-12 ferry docking stations.
- Passenger Capacity: Over 10 million annual ferry passengers.
Though it is not an airport, the terminal plays an important role in connecting Hong Kong with key destinations in mainland China and the greater Guangdong area.
4. Macau International Airport (MFM)
Airport Code: MFM
Time Zone: UTC +8 (Macau Standard Time)
Address: Macau International Airport, Taipa Island, Macau
Nearby Cities:
- Macau (1 mile)
- Hong Kong (40 miles)
- Zhuhai, China (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Macau
- China Eastern Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Tigerair
- Singapore Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 7 million passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Macau International Airport (MFM) is located on Taipa Island, just outside the city center of Macau, and it serves as a gateway for travelers to the special administrative region of China. Opened in 1995, the airport was designed to meet the growing demand for both tourism and business travel to Macau. The airport is strategically located near the city’s entertainment and gaming districts, making it convenient for visitors to reach major hotels and casinos.
Macau International Airport’s construction was part of a larger effort to boost tourism and position Macau as an international destination, complementing its growth as a hub for gambling and entertainment. The airport serves as the main international gateway to Macau, connecting it with key cities in Asia, including Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan, as well as destinations in Southeast Asia.
The airport has seen continued growth in passenger numbers over the years, particularly as Macau’s tourism sector flourished in the early 21st century.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Macau International Airport is a modern regional airport designed to handle both passenger flights and cargo.
- Runways:
- Runway 16/34: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), Asphalt
The runway at Macau International Airport is long enough to accommodate medium-sized and wide-body aircraft, allowing for direct flights to international destinations. The airport’s terminal is equipped with the standard services, including duty-free shopping, lounges, and restaurants. Additionally, it has good transport links, including bus services and a ferry terminal that connects passengers to Hong Kong and mainland China.
