HKG with a 3rd runway by 2030 a real possibility

[thewinchester]

Well this media release from AAHK (Airport Authority of Hong Kong) slipped under the radar. They've just completed the public consultation period for their 2030 master plan, and it seems there's not too much opposition for HKG having a third runway by this time.

Considering the ever growing traffic at the airport, both passenger and freight, I'm honestly surprised that a 3rd runway hasn't been considered before now - specially since their growth forecasts have them hitting operational capacity sometime around 2021.

HKIA Master Plan 2030: Over 70% of Respondents Prefer Three-runway System
Airport Authority recommends Government to adopt three-runway option as HKIA’s development direction

(HONG KONG, 29 December 2011) – Members of the public have shown a clear preference for Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to meet the city’s long-term air traffic demand by developing a three-runway system, according to an independent report produced by the Social Sciences Research Centre (SSRC) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

The SSRC was appointed by AAHK to compile, analyse and report on the views collected during the three-month public consultation on Hong Kong International Airport Master Plan 2030 (MP2030) that was held between 3 June and 2 September 2011.

Responses to the feedback questionnaire on MP2030 were very encouraging. A total of 24,242 questionnaires received during the consultation were analysed in the main text of the report. Seventy-three per cent of respondents to the quantitative survey said they prefer the three-runway option, with 11% opting to maintain the two-runway system and 16% remaining neutral. The HKU report also indicated that the majority of respondents (80%) agree or strongly agree that AAHK should make a decision urgently on Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)’s future expansion plans, while just 6% hold the opposite view.

 

[yohy?!]

Slipped under the radar? It's been front page news in HKG

Whether or not its the best solution or just the most publicly understood is another question though.

 

[Simo]

Lets see if HKG and SYD can do a deal and get some extra runways at a cheaper price.

It's long time when we are talking app 18 years.

 

[samh004]

The Director of the Social Sciences Research Centre is/was my next door neighbour in HKG. Small world.

I’d imagine the amount of reclamation needed for such a project would be very large…

 

[skywalkerLAX]

18 years from now... yikes !

 

[Hvr]

18 years from now and there will be another inquiry into whether or not there should be a second airport at SYD and if it is worth considering a train link to MEL AP.

There will be an announcement that HSR between CBR-SYD is viable but that the spread of the suburbs between this now mega town means that thousands of houses will have to be reclaimed by the government and they are all in marginal electorates so it will be too late to start the project.

HKG would have opened their fifth runway and be considering where to put a new airport which would be built in the designated time frame.

 

[kamchatsky]

Even with 3rd runway due to the nature of HKG surroundings, as well as air traffic congestions from surrounding airports they will reach capacity very soon, which means 4th runway, or the 5th ..... then they may as well fill up the entire land to Tuen Mun right now.

Given that HKG will probably build the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge soon, they should just build a brand new mega airport right in the middle of it, also build a bridge from it to connect to Shenzhen, and knock down existing Hong Kong/Macau/Zhuhai/Shenzhen airports (convert to convention centre/casino/real estate development you name it). Connect all of them with their CRHs.

With Chinese administrations and man power it could probably do it within 2 years, as they can skip all the environmental impact studies not to mention work will be done at 24hours per day.

Of course that airport would need like 6 runways at bare minimum, with mini city included in design, with full hospitals/schools/very expensive real estate to reclaim the money ......

 

[skywalkerLAX]

Sounds more like a project in the middle east...

I guess for a solution one would have to investigate where the increase in traffic comes from. Budget Airlines? Mainline?