The Hong Kong International Airport seems to be having a good year thus far. Last February, the airport was named “Airport of the Year” at the Air Transport World Airline Industry Achievement Awards 2016 and, just recently, it has reported an increase in its passenger numbers by up to 5.1%—a trend that is expected to continue until the following half of the year. Alongside other awesome award-winning airports such as Singapore’s Changi Airport and South Korea’s Incheon, HKIA has always kept its standards high with its constant innovations, amazing service, and just all-around awesomeness.
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Food
The Hong Kong International Airport is probably one the best connections to indulge in some culinary adventures. Aside from the usual fast food fare such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Popeye’s, HKIA also offers numerous delicious local delights in both its terminals. Sample dumplings at Terminal 1’s Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao or the famous fish balls made daily with handpicked yellow eels and over 10 types of fresh fish at Tsui Wah, or some Michelin-starred dishes over at Terminal 2’s Hung’s Delicacies.
Comfort
Aside from the numerous areas that offer comfortable seating for waiting passengers, HKIA also features a first arrival pay-in spot called the Plaza Premium Lounge, which offers a shower package starting at HK$200 (approximately P$1,205), lounge-use package for a minimum of HK$480 (approx. P$2,900) and a private resting area package for three hours at HK$600 (approx. P$3,620). It also features food and beverages, a bar, charging stations, nail services and oxygen therapy. For those who prefer to stay in a hotel than a lounge, the Regal Airport Hotel is directly connected to HKIA, while Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel is accessible via a free five-minute shuttle bus.
Arts and culture
In celebration of its 18 years of being awesome, HKIA has started hosting events that highlight Hong Kong’s vibrant art scene and culture. Among the shows you can look forward to starting this July are the Bruce Lee “Alive” Exhibition (which features paintings of the martial artist and actor by noted local artist Milton Wong), a photographic exhibition of Cantonese opera performers by 22 professional photographers (plus a live performance by The Cantonese Opera Academy of Hong Kong students) and the Comix Home Base Exhibition, which celebrates two local comic artists, Li Chi-tak and Kongkee. For the full list of events, check out the HKIA’s art, culture, and music website.
Entertainment
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the best connections to have a long layover in because not only does it boast comfortable lounges, it also features some of the most amazing entertainment options. At Terminal 2, you can while away the time watching a movie at its UA IMAX Theatre or enjoy a round of golf with GreenLive AIR’s simulation golf. For those who are looking for something a little more educational, travelers can head to the Aviation Discovery Centre, where you can learn more about the air transportation industry of Hong Kong through fascinating graphics and exhibits.
Children’s lounge
Families traveling with children will be delighted to know that Hong Kong International Airport provides numerous areas dedicated to keep kids entertained. Located at several gates are children’s TV lounges that feature cartoons, while Terminal 2’s Dream Come True Education Park offers the young ones an opportunity to dress-up and “work” as pilots, flight attendants, news anchors, firefighters and astronauts, just to name a few, in the activity-based learning theme park.
Sustainability
With its pledge to be the World’s Greenest Airport, HKIA has carried out initiatives that show its commitment to caring for the environment such as carbon reduction, energy saving and reducing air emissions from airport activities and operations. In 2011, the airport has also founded Hong Kong International Airport Environmental Fund, which lends support for projects that promote the clean, green and sustainable lifestyle in Hong Kong such as the HKIA Food Rescue Programme and the Hong Kong Green Day organised by the Green Council on World Environment Day.
Tours from Hong Kong International Airport
For a taste of the local culture, the Hong Kong Tourism Board also provides transit tours for passengers with a little more than a few hours to spare. With pick-up points from Regal Airport Hotel’s lower lobby, Hong Kong International Airport and Lantau Island, travelers can discover Lantau Island and its imperial 32 meter bronze Buddha statue through its Lantau and Monastery Tour or opt for the Hong Kong Island Orientation Tour, which takes it day-trippers to The Peak (for a magnificent panoramic view of Hong Kong), Aberdeen fishing village, Repulse Bay lookout and the Stanley Market.
Main image: istockphoto/RyanJLane
