Hong Kong Airport Launches Centennial Exhibition on 100 Years of Development
The Centennial Exhibition of Hong Kong Airport Development opened today at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and will be accessible to the public until November 8. The exhibition highlights 100 years of Hong Kong’s airport history, tracing significant milestones from the Kai Tak era to the present day, including Chek Lap Kok, while also providing a preview of future developments.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Kevin Choi, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Victor Liu, Director-General of Civil Aviation; and Vivian Cheung, CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).
Vivian Cheung, CEO of AAHK, remarked at the event, “This centennial exhibition provides a moment to reflect on our journey and to imagine the future we are building together as an airport community. With the commissioning of the Three-runway System (3RS) last year, and the upcoming phased opening of the new Terminal 2, we will be entering a new phase of expansion. With SKYTOPIA, our new brand for the Airport City blueprint, we are transforming our airport into a world-class destination — integrating commerce, pop culture, art, and premium entertainment and leisure experiences.”
Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, said, “Both Kai Tak Airport and HKIA have witnessed Hong Kong’s journey of soaring. Hong Kong’s airport has always been a leading international aviation hub for passengers and cargo, making Hong Kong a major gateway to the Mainland from around the world. All of this progress is thanks to the continuous efforts of the aviation industry, which has worked together to build the renowned reputation of HKIA.
Looking forward, the SAR Government will seize the opportunities of the 3RS and Airport City, continue to work with AAHK to vigorously expand the aviation network, support HKIA in developing new destinations and flights, and develop the intermodal connectivity for the Greater Bay Area. This will ensure that HKIA remains the preferred airport for passengers and cargo from the Greater Bay Area to and from overseas, fully leveraging its role as a leading international aviation hub and ensuring it continues to shine for the next century.”
The exhibition is structured in three chapters:
First Ascent: The Early Years of Hong Kong International Airport (1925–1970) – tracing the airport’s evolution from a simple airstrip to Kai Tak Airport.
From Crowded Skies to New Horizons (1970–1998) – highlighting Kai Tak Airport’s growth and the relocation to Chek Lap Kok in 1998.
A City Beyond the Airport (1998–2025 and beyond) – presenting HKIA’s development as a central aviation hub, including the commissioning of the 3RS in 2024, growth in cargo operations, and the development of SKYTOPIA as an integrated airport city for business and travel.
The exhibition features a variety of artefacts from different periods, offering visitors insight into the historical and future trajectory of Hong Kong’s airport.
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