Hong Kong International Airport has opened the departures facilities at its new Terminal 2, with the first passenger services commencing on 27 May.
Hong Kong Airlines became the first carrier to move its check-in operations from Terminal 1 to the new terminal, with 36 departing flights scheduled on the first day of operation. The remaining 14 airlines are relocating their check-in services in stages until 10 June.
The new Terminal 2’s (T2) passenger departures facilities
© Airport Authority Hong Kong
Passengers using Terminal 2 complete check-in and baggage drop through self-service facilities before proceeding through facial recognition security gates and automated screening channels.
After immigration clearance, passengers travel to Terminal 1 boarding gates using the Automated People Mover system.
Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung said:
We are delighted to see the smooth relocation of airline partners to T2 and the positive passenger response to the new facilities. Positioned to serve leisure travel and mainly regional short-haul flights, T2 is seamlessly connected to and complements T1, which mainly focuses on long-haul and transfer/ transit services. Together, the two terminals strengthen HKIA’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand while enhancing passenger experience.
Terminal 2 is connected to the Airport Express rail service, airport buses and taxi services. Car Park 3, which provides more than 1,000 parking spaces, is directly linked to the terminal building.
Retail shops and a food court have also opened as part of the launch. Four food outlets and a convenience store will operate on a 24-hour basis.
The next phase of development will include the opening of the new Terminal 2 Concourse, which will handle both arrivals and departures. The concourse is expected to begin operations before the end of 2027, subject to passenger demand.
Infrastructure consultancy AECOM also confirmed its involvement in the delivery of the terminal project as part of Hong Kong International Airport’s three-runway expansion programme.
The company said the project included a 63,000 square metre roof structure supported by tree-shaped columns. Digital construction systems, including Building Information Modelling and modular construction methods, were used during development.
Sustainability measures within the project include a high-performance façade designed to improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The terminal has also received a provisional BEAM Plus Platinum rating from the Hong Kong Green Building Council.
Hong Kong International Airport’s three-runway system is intended to increase passenger and cargo handling capacity as travel demand continues to recover across the region.
