Hong Kong International Airport is set for its biggest transformation since opening, as new airport area boundaries and major expansion plans under the “Airport City” and “SKYTOPIA” projects take effect from August 1, 2025. These changes aim to turn the airport into a world-class commercial, cultural, and transport hub, with a strong focus on autonomous transport and smart infrastructure.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) officially revealed the expanded Airport City blueprint and the new SKYTOPIA brand in January 2025. This move more than doubles the development area of Hong Kong International Airport, using land on the Hong Kong Port Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the bay area between the airport island and Tung Chung. The new boundaries include extra land and marine zones, making room for new commercial, cultural, and transport facilities, including special corridors for autonomous vehicles and smart transport systems.
Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK, said the goal is to make Hong Kong International Airport and SKYTOPIA a “world-leading destination” and a key economic driver for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The Hong Kong SAR Government supports these plans by providing policy help and making it easier to use land and set up new transport systems.
Key Expansion Projects and Features
The expansion brings several new projects and facilities that will change the airport and its surroundings:
- Terminal 2 Expansion: The expanded Terminal 2 will start phased operations on September 23, 2025. This will support the airport’s new three-runway system and increase passenger capacity by 30%. Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express will move to Terminal 2 by March 2026.
- Three-Runway System: Fully operational since November 28, 2024, this system is central to the airport’s growth, allowing for more flights and smoother connections.
- Art Industry Ecosystem: The airport will have Hong Kong’s first one-stop art hub, with galleries, studios, and the city’s first stand-alone art storage facility.
- AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2: This project will build Hong Kong’s largest indoor arena with over 20,000 seats and expand convention facilities. Completion is expected between 2026 and 2031.
- Airport Bay Marina: The largest marina in Hong Kong, offering 500–600 berths and a major water recreation area, is also planned.
- Jet Fresh Market: A new market will offer fresh, imported gourmet foods.
- Sportainment Complex: This area will combine indoor and outdoor sports, adventure, and entertainment.
- Promenade and Public Spaces: A 1.5 km CoveWalk and Piazza, along with new green and leisure areas, will provide more space for relaxation and recreation.
- Autonomous Transport: The airport will introduce a green and smart transport system, including automated car parks and autonomous vehicles, with dedicated corridors and smart infrastructure.
Redefining Boundaries and Land Use
The new boundaries for Hong Kong International Airport include extra reclaimed land and marine areas. This change allows for the construction of new facilities and transport links, affecting zoning, land use permissions, and how different activities are managed. The expansion also means new rules for how land is used and who is in charge of different areas.
Autonomous Transport and Smart Mobility
A major part of the Airport City and SKYTOPIA projects is the introduction of autonomous transport. The airport will have special corridors for autonomous vehicles, automated shuttle services, and smart parking systems. These will connect with existing public transport and cross-border links, making it easier for travelers and workers to move around the airport and the surrounding area.
The green and smart transport system is designed to reduce pollution and traffic jams, while also making travel safer and more efficient. Automated car parks and shuttle services will help people get to terminals and other facilities quickly and easily.
Business, Investment, and Regional Integration
The expansion of Hong Kong International Airport and the launch of SKYTOPIA have attracted strong interest from the business community. Over 300 business leaders attended the January 2025 unveiling, showing support for new investment opportunities in hospitality, retail, logistics, and cultural sectors. There will be dedicated zones for art, entertainment, and leisure, creating more jobs and boosting the local economy.
The expansion also aims to strengthen links with the Greater Bay Area, using cross-border infrastructure and transport to connect Hong Kong with cities in mainland China and Macau. This regional integration is expected to make Hong Kong International Airport a key hub for aviation, tourism, and business in Asia.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Impacts
Experts say the expansion will help Hong Kong recover from the pandemic and become a leading center for aviation and commerce in Asia. The new facilities and transport systems are seen as a model for “airport urbanism,” where city-scale amenities and smart mobility are built into the airport area.
The expansion includes green transport systems and public spaces, but there are concerns about environmental impacts and the need for community engagement. Stakeholders stress the importance of careful planning to protect the environment and involve local communities in decision-making.
Timeline and Future Developments
Major facilities like AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2, the art hub, and the marina are scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2031. The rollout of the autonomous transport system will begin in 2025 and continue through 2027. As these projects move forward, further changes to boundaries, transport rules, and land use policies are expected, especially as new technologies are introduced.
Three-Runway System becomes fully operational
Expanded Airport City blueprint and SKYTOPIA brand revealed
New airport area boundaries and expansion plans take effect
Phased operations of Terminal 2 begin
Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express move to Terminal 2
AAHK and the Hong Kong SAR Government are actively seeking more investment and international partnerships to achieve the full vision of SKYTOPIA. They are also working to keep the public informed and involved as the projects progress.
Practical Steps for Travelers and Businesses
- Travelers: Check for updates on terminal operations, especially if flying with Hong Kong Airlines or HK Express, as these airlines will move to Terminal 2 by March 2026.
- Businesses: Look for new investment opportunities in the expanded airport area, especially in hospitality, retail, logistics, and cultural sectors.
- Residents: Stay informed about changes to transport systems and public spaces, and take part in community consultations when possible.
For the latest updates and official information, visit the Airport Authority Hong Kong website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes at Hong Kong International Airport are expected to bring long-term benefits for travelers, businesses, and the wider community, while also setting new standards for airport development and smart mobility in the region.
With the launch of Airport City and SKYTOPIA, Hong Kong International Airport is not just expanding its boundaries—it is building a new future for the city and the region, focused on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.
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