Airport review
Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) ranks as the fourth busiest in the world, processing almost 73 million travellers annually. It is famous for offering the best across every area of service, from shopping to entertainment. Standards are so consistently high that the airport (hongkongairport.com) has figured prominently in the World Airport Awards by Skytrax since opening in 1998.
WHERE
It’s on the artificial island of Chek Lap Kok.
AIR PORT CODE
HKG
TER MIN ALS
Two terminals. Air Niugini uses terminal one (T1), which is used by most airlines. Terminal two (T2) opened in 2007, and has a check-in facility, and the SkyPlaza mall. The terminals are linked by train.
LOUNGE ACCESS
Air Niugini uses Plaza Premium Lounge in T2, with features including showers, massage, and a food and beverage buffet.
DIST ANCE TO CBD
35 kilometres
TAXIS & HIRE CARS
Taxis are located outside the main terminal, on the left of the arrivals hall exit, and in separate rows designated for different taxi types as Hong Kong taxis are colourcoded according to their operating areas. The taxis serving Hong Kong are red and cost about $HK310 (about 133 PGK) for the 40-minute trip to the city centre. Green taxis serve the New Territories, and the blue taxis Lantau. Major hire car companies, including Avis and Hertz, are on level five of the arrivals hall.
OTHER TRANS PORT
The Hong Kong Airport Express train takes 24 minutes to central Hong Kong. The station is located just beyond the taxi stand. There’s also a shuttle bus service, which has five routes serving the city. Luxury limousine providers are found in the arrivals hall. Ferries from the airport connects Hong Kong with Macau.
SHOPS
With over 320 outlets ranging from quality souvenirs to European designers, HKIA is a dream for the serious shopper. Buy anything from Bose headphones to organic skin products. Stores are of such high standards that both Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co. chose HKIA for their first airport outlets.
FOOD & BEVER AGE
Excellent choices across the board saw HKIA voted world’s best for airport dining by Skytrax in last year’s awards. Over 70 outlets offer an almost even split between international and local cuisine. Try the Hong Kong-Western fusion food at Tsui Wah Eatery, like its famous bun toasted with condensed milk, and sample traditional Chinese tea at the Food Ming Tong Tea Shop.
WI-FI
Free Wi-Fi is available across the entire airport. Click on ‘HKAirport Free WiFi’ to connect to the network. Over 60 desktop computers are available free to travellers, and are located throughout the departures level in T1.
WHAT ELSE
Catch a movie on the biggest screen in all of Hong Kong at the impressive 350-seat IMAX cinema found in T2’s SkyMall plaza area.
FAVOURITE CORNER
While away time during a layover with a round of golf at the GolfZon GreenLive indoor simulator. Alternatively, the Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course is a minute away by shuttle bus from gate 18, at T2.
CL OSEST HOTELS
Regal Airport Hotel (regalhotel. com) is a two-minute walk from customs, while both the Novotel Hotel Citygate (novotelcitygate. com) and Sky City Marriott (marriott.com) are about five minutes by shuttle bus.
SKYTR AX SAYS
“Certified with the most prestigious five-star airport rating.” “The customer experience is excellent for arrivals, departures and transit.” “Hong Kong continues to innovate to deliver very high standards of product and service quality to its customers.”