"Laying the Tracks to Future-Proof Hong Kong’s Status as an International Aviation Hub" Press Conference
"Laying the Tracks to Future-Proof Hong Kong’s Status as an International Aviation Hub" Press Conference
Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) launched a policy advocacy report titled "Laying the Tracks to Future-Proof Hong Kong’s Status as an International Aviation Hub" on 20 Nov. Riding on the imminent Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Rail Link (HKWRL), the report presents a transformative solution: the Hong Kong—Shenzhen Inter-Airport Railway (IAR) that directly links the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with the national high-speed rail (HSR) network. This would transform Hong Kong from a geographical endpoint into a critical node for air-to-rail intermodal transport in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), while strengthening the “Central–Qianhai” dual-core linkage between Hong Kong and Shenzhen through deeper integration of key metropolitan areas.
The report recommends extending the upcoming HSWRL, scheduled to be operational by 2035, from its planned terminus in Shenzhen at Qianhai to SZX, and from its Hong Kong terminus at Hung Shui Kiu to HKG. Crucially, the proposed extension to the airports should be developed concurrently to be operational by 2035, minimising any gap with the Second Guangzhou–Shenzhen HSR and, at best, preventing further slippage in HKG’s regional connectivity.
The global paradigm for aviation hubs is shifting to multimodal networks. As the nation advances its strategy for a "comprehensive and integrated transportation system", the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is rapidly consolidating into a "world-class airport cluster on the rail". By 2035, the seamless integration of the aviation hubs in Guangzhou and Shenzhen via the Second Guangzhou–-Shenzhen High-Speed Rail (HSR) will establish a new standard for regional connectivity. This evolution presents both challenges and opportunities for the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
In light of this, Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) is releasing a research report titled “Laying the Tracks to Future-Proof Hong Kong’s Status as an International Aviation Hub”. Riding on the imminent Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Rail Link, the report presents a transformative solution: the Hong Kong—Shenzhen Inter-Airport Railway (IAR). The IAR represents more than a railway connection, it is a strategic imperative for Hong Kong’s future. By ensuring seamless regional connectivity and expanding the airport’s catchment, this infrastructure will strengthen HKG’s competitive position while unlocking new economic potential.
This report will conduct an in-depth analysis of the following key issues:
How can Hong Kong International Airport secure its competitive position within the GBA in the years ahead?
How can the IAR expand HKG’s catchment and attract more diversified passenger flows?
What are the economic returns and long-term impact on this investment?
Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) launched a policy advocacy report titled "Laying the Tracks to Future-Proof Hong Kong’s Status as an International Aviation Hub" on 20 Nov. Riding on the imminent Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Rail Link (HKWRL), the report presents a transformative solution: the Hong Kong—Shenzhen Inter-Airport Railway (IAR) that directly links the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with the national high-speed rail (HSR) network. This would transform Hong Kong from a geographical endpoint into a critical node for air-to-rail intermodal transport in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), while strengthening the “Central–Qianhai” dual-core linkage between Hong Kong and Shenzhen through deeper integration of key metropolitan areas.
The report recommends extending the upcoming HSWRL, scheduled to be operational by 2035, from its planned terminus in Shenzhen at Qianhai to SZX, and from its Hong Kong terminus at Hung Shui Kiu to HKG. Crucially, the proposed extension to the airports should be developed concurrently to be operational by 2035, minimising any gap with the Second Guangzhou–Shenzhen HSR and, at best, preventing further slippage in HKG’s regional connectivity.
The global paradigm for aviation hubs is shifting to multimodal networks. As the nation advances its strategy for a "comprehensive and integrated transportation system", the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is rapidly consolidating into a "world-class airport cluster on the rail". By 2035, the seamless integration of the aviation hubs in Guangzhou and Shenzhen via the Second Guangzhou–-Shenzhen High-Speed Rail (HSR) will establish a new standard for regional connectivity. This evolution presents both challenges and opportunities for the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
In light of this, Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) is releasing a research report titled “Laying the Tracks to Future-Proof Hong Kong’s Status as an International Aviation Hub”. Riding on the imminent Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Rail Link, the report presents a transformative solution: the Hong Kong—Shenzhen Inter-Airport Railway (IAR). The IAR represents more than a railway connection, it is a strategic imperative for Hong Kong’s future. By ensuring seamless regional connectivity and expanding the airport’s catchment, this infrastructure will strengthen HKG’s competitive position while unlocking new economic potential.
This report will conduct an in-depth analysis of the following key issues:
How can Hong Kong International Airport secure its competitive position within the GBA in the years ahead?
How can the IAR expand HKG’s catchment and attract more diversified passenger flows?
What are the economic returns and long-term impact on this investment?
