The Hong Kong government has endorsed the construction of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) but it will take around three years before building can start.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) can proceed with an “environmental impact assessment, and plan design details and financial arrangements”, after the government signalled its support for the project.
The environmental assessment, which is expected to take two years, must cover issues such as the runway’s effect on marine ecology, noise and air quality.
AA chairman Dr Marvin Cheung Kin-Tung said: “We will immediately embark upon a three-phase process of planning, approval and implementation.
“Once the process is completed and the environmental permit is obtained for proceeding with a third runway, we will finalise the necessary associated design details and develop suitable financial options for discussion with the government.
“Only after all of these have been done successfully can we proceed to seek government's approval for the third runway project. In other words, it will take about three years, subject to the granting of all required approvals, before we can start building the third runway and its associated facilities.”
The cost for the project is predicted to reach around US$17 billion.
Both Cathay Pacific and Dragonair welcomed the decision, as they said it would help maintain Hong Kong’s position as a leading aviation hub in the Far East.
John Slosar, chief executive of Cathay Pacific, said: “We firmly believe the third runway is of critical importance to the sustainability of the Hong Kong economy and, therefore, to the long-term prosperity and well being of Hong Kong’s people.”