Hong Kong International Airport celebrates 25th anniversary in style

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Hong Kong’s gateway to the world, celebrated its 25th anniversary today.

The Chek Lap Kok gateway, which replaced the former downtown airport of Kai Tak Airport on July 6, 1998, marked the occasion with a series of music and dance performances in the terminal and the give away of commemorative souvenirs to passengers.

Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO, Fred Lam, and chairman, Jack So, were among the airport management team and Board Members to join in today’s celebrations with the airport community, passengers and members of the public at the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 1.

The entertainment included a series of celebratory drum performances followed by a jazz band and dance shows by airport staff from AAHK, home-based airlines and other airport companies.

A cake-cutting ceremony followed officiated by Lam and So.

Earlier this week the airport welcomed IATA’s latest projection of air passenger traffic for Hong Kong which sees a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.

Vivian Cheung, chief operating officer of AAHK, said: “We have been communicating closely with IATA and global stakeholders about the latest developments in Hong Kong. We are delighted that IATA revised its projection to express an optimistic outlook after the Government announced the new scheme that allows importation of labour to support the aviation industry.”

Previously IATA projected that Hong Kong is expected to surpass the pre-pandemic air passenger levels by 2027.

Passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport has been rising since the relaxation of travel restrictions. Currently, the airport is handling over 120,000 passengers a day, representing about 60% of the pre-pandemic level.