The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), located at Chek Lap Kok, is operated by the Hong Kong Airport authority. The airport started operation in 1998, and over 65,000 employees are currently working directly or indirectly in the airport. Over hundreds of airlines operators and serving more than 190 cities world-wide. The Cathay Pacific who carries the Hong Kong flag and covers many cities than any other carriers operating in Hong Kong. Kai Tak Airport was the HK’s old international airport from 1925 to till 1998, and same year of 1998.
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How to go to HKIA?:
There are many ways to reach the Hong Kong International Airport. For example, Bus, Airport Express , and taxi.
Airport travelers carry luggage with them, hard to walk long distance on the road ; the MTR is unable to cover each and every corner of HK. therefore, Airport bus numbers that starts with the letter ‘E’ are buses that goes to the airport, like E34A, E34B, E33, E32 and many more. If you are in a hurry or you might want to reach the airport faster than you may take the express bus which will reach faster in half. However, the fare is double the normal airport buses. These buses begins with the letter ‘A’ at the front. For example, A32, A41, A22 and more.
Airport express trains is a faster and more convenient way to go to the airport. However, it might be more expensive than taking a bus.
The stations you can take the train from are Hong Kong station, Kowloon station, Tsing Yi Station, Airport station and Asia world-Expo Station. The duration to reach Airport is just 28 minute from the HK station.
However, Airport Express is more reliable for the airport passengers because it has no traffic so time schedule is exact. Therefore, anyone who has very tight timing schedules, suggest to take a express train
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 HKIA
Hong Kong International Airport has two terminals both are connected from inside-out. They are located in an opposite direction. However, from inside the airport traveler can switch one terminal to another as it is walking distance.
Terminal One HKIA:
This is the biggest terminal with many boarding gates from 1 to 80 and 511 to 530.
Major levels are Level 4 Departure and Level 5 Arrival & Baggage Reclaim. Many other facilities are available like food court, money exchange, information counters, Red carpets VIP lounge area. In terminal 1 there are 2 arrival gates and 2 departure gates for the travelers in and out
Terminal two HKIA:
This terminal is made to handle exceeded task of terminal one. There are many check-in facilities and also can find the budget airlines. Comparatively, it is smaller than the Terminal 1
Major levels are Level 5 Departure and Level 6 Shops and food court.
Facilities available Inside the Airport:
Hong Kong Airport is highly equipped world-class rated airport, is has all the facilities available inside and outside of the airport.
The facilities include; WiFi and charging facility, large TV panels for arrival and departure details, food court and shops, Airport hotels, toilet facilities, seating area, display and visual units, duty free shops, lift and escalator, passenger carrying cars, etc.
Car parking facilities:
Almost 2,000 car parking slot are available in hourly car park area. It is available at both the terminal sides. All the payment systems are automated, no manual cash payment is available. Payments by Octopus, Visa, MasterCard, Union pay etc. are acceptable.
Arrival Hall:
Arrival procedures are as usual for all the airport’s, in HK terminal one there are 2 arrival gates A and B. Below is the arrival idea guidelines.
Complete the Immigration process:
For Hong Kong residents, they are required to show Hong Kong Identity card and use automated insertion machine.
For Foreign travelers, they are required to have their passports ready with the filled-up arrival card, which usually distributes in the airlines otherwise, they can get it from the immigration.
Take your at Baggage Reclaim:
After arriving at Terminal 1 both arrival A and B gate is equipped with a large TV panel. You can also see who is coming just after finishing their costumed formalities.
Departure Hall:
There are some guidelines for the Departure.
(1) Check-in designated counter
(2) check in luggages and hand-carry
(3) Do the security check and then proceed for the immigration task
(4) Once completed move toward the boarding gate and wait for your flight.
Third runway:
The Third runway project is currently under construction. The authority has signed HK$ 35 billion loan with local and international banks.
It is one of the biggest project after the airport was completed in 1998, to cope with the additional air traffic, the third runway helps greatly. There will also be an upgrade in the check-in system, boarder crossing facility with proper system, joint immigration desk at West Kowloon station and much more.
Once third runway is ready to start, there will be a reduction in air traffic and more additional facilities will be added.
We are all hoping that despite of Covid-19, the project is on progress and it will soon be completed and we will see more bigger and wonderful airport soon.
Please visit some of the other blogs whether you like them.
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