30th March 2025 – (Hong Kong) The curtain fell on the Hong Kong Sevens 2025 in spectacular fashion today (30th March), as Cathay Pacific marked 100 years since the opening of the old Kai Tak Airport with a breathtaking aerial display. At 4pm, an Airbus A350 descended over Victoria Harbour in a nostalgic low-altitude flypast, thrilling crowds at the new Kai Tak Sports Park with a demonstration reminiscent of the airport’s heyday. However, spectators should note that this “low fly” will not be as close as when Kai Tak Airport was operational; rather, it will be at a height similar to that of the domestically produced C919 aircraft that flew over the harbour last year.
Kai Tak Airport, described by pilots as one of the most challenging airports, opened on 25th January 1925 and closed at approximately 1.20am on 6th July 1998, witnessing 73 years of air traffic in Hong Kong. In the past, when planes landed, residents in the Kowloon City area were often overwhelmed by the deafening engine noise, yet they were treated to the rare sight of aircraft flying directly overhead.
To mark the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park this month, Cathay Pacific is hosting the first sporting event, the Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens. A special A350 aircraft (flight number CX8100) is scheduled to fly over Victoria Harbour at 4pm, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Kai Tak Airport and “returning to the starting point to honour our proud legendary airport.”
The celebrations will continue into the evening with a dazzling fireworks display at 7pm, launched from 28 firing points around the stadium. Reaching heights of 25 metres, the vibrant pyrotechnics illuminated the sky, offering spectators a 360-degree visual feast from every angle of the arena.
Long before the main events, the stadium was already buzzing. By 2pm, the second-floor stands were packed to capacity, prompting organisers to redirect fans to the less crowded fifth-floor viewing decks. Those who ascended were rewarded with sweeping vistas of the harbour and access to premium dining options, including the Sports Bar and Muse Bar, blending world-class rugby with gourmet hospitality.
