Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is preparing for a significant boost in capacity with the opening of its expanded Terminal 2 departure facilities on . The move, announced during Chinese New Year celebrations on , aims to alleviate congestion and accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the summer peak season.
The expansion represents the first major capacity increase at the airport since the pandemic, according to Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). The new facilities are being commissioned in phases, aligning with projected passenger demand. The initial phase, the Coach Hall, commenced operations on , providing parking for 41 tour buses and cross-boundary coaches, and ticketing counters for connections to over 110 destinations in the Greater Bay Area.
The expanded T2 will house approximately 15 airlines, primarily those operating short-haul and regional routes. These airlines will transition to the new terminal in stages. The facilities boast a “next-generation” smart check-in zone, featuring over 50 automated bag-drop counters and biometric boarding gates. Airport planners anticipate the new infrastructure will enable the processing of 3,000 passengers per hour, streamlining security screening and reducing kerb-to-gate times.
The project is a critical component of HKIA’s HK$141 billion Three-Runway-System expansion, which is projected to increase the airport’s handling capacity to 120 million passengers annually by . The expanded T2 is physically connected to both the Airport Express station and Terminal 1, enhancing connectivity for passengers.
The timing of the opening is strategically aligned with the traditional start of the summer peak travel season in May, when Hong Kong experiences increased outbound travel from residents, returning students, and visitors from the Greater Bay Area. By distributing passenger flow between two departure halls, the airport expects to reclaim roughly 20 percent of air-side gate capacity.
AAHK has been collaborating closely with government departments, airlines, passenger handling agents, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. A comprehensive program of familiarization activities, training sessions, drills, and exercises has been underway to prepare staff for the new facilities. More than 4,000 frontline staff have been trained in simulated live-passenger environments, according to Lam.
The new terminal features smart departure gates, mirroring those in Terminal 1, allowing eligible visitors to clear exit formalities in under 20 seconds. The implementation of biometric e-security lanes is also expected to reduce connection times by up to 15 minutes.
The opening of the T2 departure facilities is expected to have broader implications for businesses operating in Hong Kong. Companies moving staff through the airport are advised to review their travel guidance to account for the new terminal layout and procedures. VisaHQ highlights the importance of reviewing visa and travel-document policies for staff, particularly given the increased efficiency of the new facilities.
The expansion underscores Hong Kong’s continued investment in its aviation infrastructure, aiming to maintain its position as a key international aviation hub. The project represents a significant step towards accommodating future growth and enhancing the passenger experience.
