Hong
Kong Airport
Airport Inquiry Hotline: +852-21818888
Hong Kong International
Airport (IATA: HKG; ICAO: VHHH) which is also known as Chek Lap Kok (named
after the small island it was built over), is the main port for visitors
to Hong Kong by air. Designed by architect Sir Normal Foster, this modern
and efficient building opened in July 1998 and has since been named "World's
Best Airport" by Skytrax five times annually.
There are
many direct flights to Hong Kong from every continent in the world. Most
major cities in Oceania, Europe and North America are all served with
at least one daily flight. Sydney has 6 daily flights, Melbourne 5, London
10, Frankfurt 2, Paris 3, Amsterdam 2, Los Angeles 4, San Francisco 3,
Vancouver 3, New York 3, Chicago 2 and Toronto 2.
Flights between Hong
Kong and other major Asian cities are also frequent: up to 40 flights
per day connect Hong Kong with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Tokyo,
Shanghai, Manila, Seoul, Bangkok and Beijing. Other routes may be cheaper,
however. For destinations within China, it is often cheaper to fly from
Shenzhen than from Hong Kong, as flights between the mainland and Hong
Kong are considered international flights and priced accordingly. For
elsewhere in Asia, consider transiting through Macau. Many discount airlines
serve Macau because it has lower landing fees than Hong Kong. There are
also less frequent flights between Hong Kong and several mid-Pacific islands
and nations, including a twice-weekly service from Guam.
Cathay Pacific and
its subsidiary airline Dragonair are Hong Kong's main carriers, with Hong
Kong Express providing some welcomed competition.
There are two terminals,
creatively called T1 and T2. Signs on approach to the airport by car/taxi
list the terminals and check-in zones. The station is located between
the two terminals, so follow the signs when you exit the station. Once
checked-in, you can clear security at either terminal with an underground
shuttle bus outside the security area. There are probably more shopping
opportunities before security at T2, but its shops close earlier. There
are lots of shopping opportunities after security as well. Travellers
will find an efficient post office in the airport, providing boxes, wrapping
material, scissors and tape. It might be more economical to send your
excess luggage via surface mail than paying fees to the airline.
There is a manned
left luggage facility in the arrival hall, perfect for securely storing
your luggage at the airport, for around $55-$80 per day (depending on
duration). Opened 6:00am to 1:00am.
Overall, services
at Chek Lap Kok are generally better, or on par, with those at other major
international airports.
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