Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong. It is also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport, due to the fact that it was built on the island of Chek Lap Kok by land reclamation. Hong Kong is based on an island and there is a severe shortage of land near Hong Kong. So, a mega-project was undertaken to reclaim the ocean to build a world-class international airport.
The airport opened for commercial operations in 1998, replacing Kai Tak Airport, and is an important regional trans-shipment centre, passenger hub and gateway for destinations in China, East Asia and Southeast Asia. The old airport was insufficient for the growing needs of Hong Kong and hence had to be shut down. The new Chek Lap Kok airport can easily handle a lot more volume of passengers and goods.
The Old Hong Kong International Airport
The old airport was located in a densely populated area, and had become quite frustrating and dangerous for pilots. Landing on that airport required considerable expertise, and was a serious risk for large aircraft. The old airport had also become inadequate to handle ever-increasing traffic and goods, as well as new-generation aircraft. Hence, it was closed down in 1998, after the completion of the new Airport.