Govt to accelerate Hong Kong airport's expansion

The government will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach to reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub, Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong said on Friday. Speaking at the opening reception for the airport's Terminal 2, Wong said the government will continue accelerating the expansion of the SAR's aviation network, enhancing connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, and advancing the development of an airport city. To proactively align with national strategies and deepen Hong Kong's participation in the GBA, he said the government will maintain a close relationship with the Airport Authority and the aviation industry. Wong noted that the airport handled 61 million passengers last year, a year-on-year increase of 15 percent. He said if the upward trend continues, passenger traffic is expected to soon return to the peak level recorded in 2018. At the same event, the chairman of the Airport Authority Fred Lam said the revamped terminal's design prioritises efficiency and passenger comfort. He said it leverages technology extensively to enable efficient self check-in, self bag drop and smooth immigration clearance, adding that T2 is seamlessly linked to the Airport Express, with additional traffic lanes outside the building to prevent congestion. He said that arrival facilities there are expected to be commissioned next year. The chairman also noted that a talented workforce is needed to help the airport expand. An expo and recruitment fair will be held for two days starting on Saturday, offering more than 4,000 job vacancies. Edited by Aaron Tam