HKIA to create A380 sky bridge in major expansion

Airbus A380 aircraft will taxi underneath a passenger “sky bridge” at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in future, as part of a series of major upgrades unveiled this week.

According to plans revealed by Hong Kong’s Airport Authority (AA), the new footbridge will connect Terminal 1 with the North Satellite Concourse, removing the need for shuttle buses. At 28 metres above the ground, the sky bridge will be high enough to allow Airbus A380s and other aircraft to taxi underneath.

The 200-metre-long bridge will also feature travelators, an observation deck and catering outlets in the towers on both sides.

Other upgrades unveiled by the AA include more than 40 new check-in counters with automated baggage drop facilities, and two new additional baggage carousels. T1 will also feature a roof garden and children play area, while extra seats and shops will be added to the arrivals hall, and a new car park will provide 1,400 additional spaces.

For staff, a new building will house a community centre, sports hall, fitness centre and staff canteens, plus the HKIA Preschool for the children of HKIA employees.

These are the latest in a series of expansion projects being undertaken at HKIA, as the AA aims to keep pace with surging passenger traffic.

“The enhancement projects for Terminal 1, together with the three-runway system in 2024, will increase the airport’s handling capacity, as well as bringing a fresh look and feel. Passengers from around the world will enjoy an experience tantamount to travelling through a new airport,” said Fred Lam, CEO of the AA.

These projects will be completed in phases, with HK$7 billion (US$897 million) expected to be invested by the time all the new facilities are added by 2020.