Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will begin operating expanded passenger departure facilities at Terminal 2 (T2) on May 27, 2026, according to an announcement made during Chinese New Year celebrations on February 17, 2026. The move is intended to accommodate anticipated summer travel demand and alleviate congestion.
The phased commissioning of T2’s passenger facilities aligns with projected traffic increases, officials said. The initial phase, the Coach Hall, opened in September 2025, providing 41 parking bays for tour buses, cross-boundary coaches, limousines, and other vehicles, as well as ticketing counters for connections to over 110 destinations in the Greater Bay Area.
Fifteen airlines, primarily operating short-haul and regional routes, will relocate to T2 in stages. The expanded terminal will feature fully digital self-service check-in facilities and direct connectivity to the Airport Express rail platform. Once the transition is complete, Terminal 1 and T2 will function as a twin-terminal system, similar to the arrangement at Singapore Changi Airport, offering increased retail space and easing gate congestion.
Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), and Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, jointly announced the opening date. AAHK has been collaborating with government departments, airlines, passenger handling agents, and other stakeholders to prepare for the launch, conducting familiarization activities, training sessions, and drills.
The T2 project is strategically important for Hong Kong’s integration within the Greater Bay Area, facilitating smoother transport of passengers and cargo between Guangdong province and international markets. The airport handled 60,992,000 passengers and 395,000 aircraft movements in 2025, with 5,070,000 metric tonnes of cargo processed.
Travelers should anticipate potential “soft-opening quirks” in the initial weeks of operation, including signage adjustments and staff assistance with wayfinding, according to industry observers. AAHK is currently conducting drills with airlines and ground handlers to minimize operational issues.
