Airport Authority Hong Kong has unveiled details of a major upgrade programme in Terminal 1. A number of “anchor” retail stores and F&B outlets will be added as part of the improvement work, which aims to offer a “vibrant new experience for passengers”. New duty free shops for liquor, cosmetics and accessories will be open for business “soon”, Airport Authority Hong Kong said, offering experiential concepts such as interactive zones and a whisky bar.
The food hall in the East Hall area will be revamped with a new design (as illustrated immediately below).
Over 40 new check-in counters with self-bag drop facilities and two new additional baggage reclaim carousels will be installed. The project also includes an extension building adjacent to the existing Car Park 4 to provide approximately 1,400 additional parking spaces, as well as premises for the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and HKIA Preschool. The new building will also house other staff-related facilities including a community centre, a multi-purpose sports hall and fitness centre, and staff canteens for the airport community.
The authority is also planning to build a weather-proof footbridge connecting Terminal 1 and the North Satellite Concourse. Known as ‘Sky Bridge’, it will reduce passengers’ travelling time and the need for using shuttle buses. The 200 metre long footbridge with travellators will feature an observation deck and catering outlets in the towers at both sides.
New features in the expanded East Hall of Terminal 1 will include a roof garden and a children play area that spans two levels in the restricted area. There will also be a dedicated recreational zone featuring new technologies for travellers, the authority said. Themed areas may be introduced in the boarding gate areas at Terminal 1.
“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,” said Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Fred Lam. “Passengers from around the world will enjoy an experience tantamount to travelling through a new airport.”