The government on Friday gave the green light to the Airport Authority to carry out reclamation work north of Hong Kong International Airport for building a third runway. The reclamation area will cover 1,640 hectares.

There have been objections to the construction of the runway with critics saying it was too expensive and will not deliver the projected results.

Green groups had also expressed concern over the ecological impact the reclamation work would have on marine life in the area, especially the Chinese White Dolphins.

The Airport Authority had said the current capacity of the airport is reaching saturation point and a third runway is needed for Hong Kong to remain an aviation hub.

It also said it will earmark a 2,400 hectare marine park in waters north of the airport to help protect marine life.