Hong Kong: Extra Flights to Service Travel Rush
The Standard | Feb. 12, 2007
Additional flights are being scheduled by Hong Kong's civil aviation authorities in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday rush of Hong Kong residents visiting family and friends as well as hundreds of thousands of visitors expected in the city.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong said 800 extra passenger flights will be scheduled between February 13 and March 1.
In 2006, there were a record 853 flights on January 27, the day before the Lunar New Year.
The authority said the number of departures this year is expected to peak on February 18, which is the first day of the Lunar New Year, when additional passenger flights will make up more than 10 percent of the day's total.
The opening of Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) Terminal 2 will help the airport handle higher passenger volumes.
"Facilities in Terminal 1 approach saturation during Lunar New Year and other peak travel periods. The phased opening of Terminal 2 allows us to better serve existing traffic and meet future demand," said Hans Bakker, the Airport Authority Hong Kong's commercial director.
HKIA's Terminal 2 is set to open this month in stages.
Bakker said the HK$2.8 billion Terminal 2, which offers additional capacity as well as shopping, dining and entertainment options, strengthens Hong Kong International Airport's position as a regional and international aviation hub.
At the 140,000-square-meter terminal, there are 130 retail and catering outlets and four entertainment zones.
In addition, a 36-bay coach station will open, while 56 airline check-in counters and customs and immigration facilities will come onstream later.
Two office buildings, including Hong Kong International Airport Tower - the new headquarters of the Airport Authority Hong Kong - will be part of Terminal 2 at HKIA.