The plan to 2030 sets out two development options for public consultation. The first is to maintain the two-runway system, but make enhancements to the terminal and apron facilities to increase capacity. This option would enable the airport to handle a maximum of 420,000 flight movements a year, with annual passenger and cargo throughput increased to 74 million and 6 million tonnes.
The estimated cost is about HK$23.4bn (£1.83bn) in 2010 dollars. However, the authority said this option can only meet the estimated air traffic demand in the medium term, adding the airport will reach its maximum runway capacity in 2020.
The second option envisages the building of a third runway and its associated terminal, airfield and apron facilities, which requires the reclamation of 650 hectares of land north of the airport island.
With a third runway and its associated facilities, the airport would be able to handle 620,000 flights a year, and meet forecast annual passenger and cargo throughput of about 97 million and 8.9 million tonnes by 2030.
It is estimated to cost about HK$86.2bn (£6.75bn) in 2010 dollars. This option would enable the airport to meet forecast traffic demand and maintain its extensive air network and connectivity up to and possibly beyond 2030.
Secretary for transport & housing Eva Cheng said a sustainable balance must be maintained between infrastructure and environmental protection. “I do not think we should necessarily take it that infrastructure and environmental protection cannot go hand in hand; or which poses one against each other. We need to find a sustainable balance,” she said.
“We expect to receive a recommendation on the way forward from the authority by the end of the year after the completion of the public consultation. The Government will carefully consider the recommendation, with a view to deciding on the next stage of work. This mainly includes funding arrangements, detailed engineering design and statutory environmental impact assessment.
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