If you're jetting off with the kids, here's everything you need to know about Hong Kong Airport
A replica Farman bi-plane, based on the first aircraft to fly in Hong Kong in 1911, hangs from the ceiling of Terminal 1
Multi-award-winning Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the busiest and most technologically advanced airports in the world. It opened in 1998, replacing the facility at Kai Tak in Kowloon. Twenty-six years on and it's looking forwarding to opening a third runway at the end of 2024 with even more flights to even more destinations on the horizon (quite literally). If you're flying out of Hong Kong with the family, here's everything you need to know for a smooth exit.
Airport lounges
Hong Kong Airport hosts a number of airline lounges including those of flag carrier Cathay Pacific. The free-to-access airline lounges are reserved for passengers flying business or first class. However, HKIA also has a number of 24-hour, pay-in lounges.
Kyra Lounge opened in summer 2024 at Terminal One and offers relaxation spaces, work zones and food and drink services for up to 150 passengers of any airline and any cabin class. Highlights include a sound-proof work booth, cocktail bar and an international menu featuring Hong Kong street food classics. Kyra Lounge is accessible from Level 6 in the Central Concourse and is open from 6am to midnight.
You don't need to be a premium passsenger to enjoy Kyra Lounge access
Plaza Premium has four lounges at HKIA. There’s an elevated Plaza Premium First lounge near Gate 1 and Plaza Premium Lounges at Gate 1, Gate 35 and Gate 60. Facilities include relaxation areas, food and drink, WiFi, showers and private rest areas at an extra charge. The lounges are open to passengers of any airline travelling in any cabin class. HKIA also benefits from Plaza Premium’s ALLWAYS service with baggage pick-up and delivery, a ‘meet & assist’ service, porters and electric buggy use (advance booking required).
Cathay Pacific lounges include two lounges for first class passengers and three for business travellers. The Wing, First is located near gates one to four and is open from 5.30am until the last Cathay departure (normally around 2am) and The Pier, First is at gate 63 and is open 5.30 to 12.30am. The Wing, Business is at gate two, The Pier, Business at gate 63 and The Deck is at gate 6. Expect plenty of bubbles, cocktails, noodle bars, hot and cold buffets, barista coffee staions, showers and relaxation and work areas, as well as a la carte dining rooms and massage amenities in first lounges.
Fun & activities
Airports and small children can try the patience of the most laid-back of parents (especially when you throw late take-offs and jet-lag into the mix), but having said that, there’s a fair bit at Hong Kong Airport to keep youngsters occupied until your flight is called.
Play Zones
The airport has play area ‘Buzz Zones’ throughout Terminal One Departures at Gates 31, 41 and 62. And in the East Hall on Level 6 of Departures there’s a mega Wonder Eggshell play structure to clamber all over. The Wonder Eggshell is open to children aged six to 12 years with climbing, sliding and net tunnels to explore.
Sky Bridge
HKIA unveiled the world’s longest airside bridge in 2022. The 200m-long bridge links Terminal 1 with the Terminal 1 Satellite Concourse and replaces a mundane shuttle bus service. The bridge has a glass floor and at 28m is high enough to allow the airport’s largest planes to pass underneath. Time it right and watch the big birds taxi beneath your feet. There’s also an automated walkway to transport you between the escalators on each side of the bridge if you’re luggage- or toddler-laden.
Sky Deck
Head all the way to the end of the Sky Bridge (in the direction of the Satellite Concourse) and enter the Sky Deck. This area has been designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and a seating area for passengers for maximum plane spotting opportunities and to take in the sweeping airport views. Fascinating for junior plane enthusiasts, Sky Deck also has binoculars for close-ups as well as lots of signage explaining various features of the airport, landmarks and the airport’s history.
Food & Drink
Day or night, you can always get a coffee at HKIA these days
If you’re on an early flight and looking for somewhere that sells coffee before 6am (that is, when all other outlets are closed), head to the huge 24-hour McDonald’s & McCafe outlet next to Gate 11 at Departure Level 7. Massive windows overlooking the tarmac mean you’ll have plenty to watch as you caffeinate or enjoy a pre-flight snack.
For easy, western-style dishes, there’s a 24-hour Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go serving grab ‘n’ go British cuisine created exclusively for HKIA, including all-day breakfasts and burgers and fries. The outlet is located in the Food Court after Departures (South) on Departures Level 7.
If you’re looking for a dine-in burger, try Beef & Liberty (7am to midnight) which is located after Departures (South) on Departures Level 7.
Tap + Brew serves easy-eat, dine-in, gastro-pub favourites like burgers, fish ‘n’ chips and buffalo wings alongside a wide selection of craft and classic beers. It’s open midday to 11pm at Food Court near Gate 40-80 at Departures Level 6.
Early flight and hungry kids? There’s a Burger King that’s open from 7am at Food Court near Gates 40-80 at Departures Level 6. It closes at 6pm.
The ever-popular Popeyes has also made a return to HKIA. It’s at Food Court near Gates 40-80 at Departures Level 6 and opens 11am to 7pm; expect popular takeaway chicken options like cajun wings, chicken tenders and popcorn chicken and shrimp.
Coffee outlets include Maison Kayser (7am to 11.30pm, Gates 6 and 25 Departures Level 6), Pacific Coffee (7am to 11pm, Gates 13-21 Terminal 1 Satellite Concourse and Gate 30 Departures Level 6), Ritazza (6am to 6pm, Gate 40 Departures Level 6) and Starbucks (6am to 11pm, end of check-in Aisle E Departure Level 7 and Gate 206 Departures Level 6, Midfield Concourse; 6.30 to 10.30pm, Gate 6 Departures Level 6; 7am to 11pm, Gates 2 and 44 Departures Level 6).
Don't go, there's more...
How to transit at Dubai Airport
Thailand plans major airport expansion
Comments