The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving into a premier global landmark. This ambitious project, led by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), aims to integrate commercial activities, popular culture, art trading, entertainment, and leisure into a single, expansive development.
Initially introduced in 2019, the Airport City blueprint merged the airport’s core functions with associated business sectors to create robust synergies. This approach capitalises on the airport’s unique geographical advantages and aims to seize opportunities presented by various new infrastructures. Since then, AAHK has actively advanced multiple projects, including a newly opened hotel, three Grade-A office towers, and the upcoming 11 SKIES complex, which will integrate retail, dining, and entertainment options.
The enhanced Airport City blueprint is supported by land resources on the Hong Kong Port Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, as well as the area between the airport island and Tung Chung, effectively more than doubling the development scale.
New initiatives encompass an ecosystem for the art industry, the second phase of AsiaWorld-Expo development, a marina with supporting facilities, a fresh food market, and additional projects. These developments will foster high-end commercial, tourism, and leisure activities and are anticipated to be completed between 2026 and 2031.
Art Industry Ecosystem
To bolster Hong Kong’s status as a premier international art hub, AAHK is formulating plans to create an art ecosystem at HKIA. This will be Hong Kong’s first comprehensive project that consolidates art creation, appreciation, and trade within a single space, featuring an art community composed of galleries and studios. A purpose-built large-scale storage facility for artworks, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, will also be included. These art-related amenities will synergize with exhibitions at AsiaWorld-Expo, positioning Hong Kong as a leading global art marketplace.
AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2
AAHK is advancing the Phase 2 development of AsiaWorld-Expo, which will feature Hong Kong’s largest multi-purpose indoor arena, accommodating over 20,000 spectators, alongside additional convention and exhibition spaces. This expansion will facilitate a greater variety of world-class entertainment events and international commercial activities in Hong Kong, attracting visitors from the Greater Bay Area and beyond to experience the city’s unique cultural vibrancy.
Marina and Supporting Facilities
AAHK plans to fully utilise the water resources near the airport island to establish Hong Kong’s largest marina and supporting facilities, providing around 600 berths. This initiative will transform Airport City into an unmatched yacht tourism destination in Asia, particularly within the Greater Bay Area. Furthermore, a variety of water leisure and recreational facilities will be developed.
Expanding Public Spaces
A range of indoor and outdoor leisure, cultural, and entertainment facilities will be established along the coastlines of the airport island and Hong Kong Port Island, complemented by distinctive hotel developments and promenades. Public spaces will be interconnected to facilitate various festive celebrations that attract visitors.
AAHK is also planning a new sportainment complex on Hong Kong Port Island, which will blend innovative indoor and outdoor sports concepts with adventure, exploration, and entertainment. This complex aims to become a must-visit destination for both the public and tourists seeking engaging sports and trendy activities.
Jet Fresh Market
HKIA excels in air cargo, importing fresh and high-quality food products from around the globe. To maximise this advantage, AAHK is developing a “Jet Fresh Market” on Hong Kong Port Island, reinforcing the city’s status as a hub for premium fresh foods. This market will provide a unique vantage point for observing aircraft movements, delivering an exceptional gastronomic experience for tourists.
Fred Lam, Chairman of AAHK, said: “HKIA is a leading international aviation hub in Asia. With the three-runway system fully operating by the end of this year, we are in a position to press full steam ahead with innovative projects in different market segments. The expansion of the development blueprint will focus on leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages and creating synergy among various projects to transform the Airport City into a new landmark of Asia. It will be a distinct tourist hotspot for visitors from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and all over the world, especially premium visitors, injecting impetus into the economic growth of Hong Kong and the region.”
