Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH) Spotting Guide

Location

Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok (HKG) starts service on July 1998. HKG is located north of Lantau Island which is the western side of Hong Kong. Unlike the Kai Tak located inside the density urban, the new airport is located on reclaimed land on rural.

Features

There are two runways on the airport, namely 25L/07R and 25R/07L. Both runways can handle any widebody aircarft such as Boeing 747-400.

With plenty of reclaimed land, two runways can be operated individually. Also there is additional space for explansion. There is one large passenger terminal and three cargo terminals inside the airport. HAECO is also located at the western part of the airport island and HAECO is a famous aircraft repair company specifies on wide body aircraft repair, maintanence and checking.

Hong Kong International is one of the busiest airport on the world, on average, there are more than 500 flights per day. That is why going to Hong Kong International Airport is a good aviation spotting location. However, many Hong Kong spotters claims that it is lack of spotting site.

Warnings ! Any transceiver is prohibited in Hong Kong unless it is licensed.

Tower (South) : 118.4 Tower (North) : 118.7    VHHH ATIS : 128.2
Ground : 122.55  (South), 121.6 (North)   Delivery : 129.9
Approach : 119.1, 119.35   Rader : 121.3, 123.7
Departure : 123.8, 120.1  

See this link for further information

Note that the frequency varies. Please listen ATIS for the current frequency.

1. Passenger Terminal (see example here)

Where? Top Floor of Passenger Terminal

How to go? Any "A" Prefix bus or walk upstair from any floor of Passenger Terminal

Pros? The route of the aircraft can be seen far from localizer to near landing

Hints? Both ends can see aircarft, but mainly use north runway for landing except cargo freight

 

2. Scenary Hill (see example here)

Where? The "only" hill in the Chek Lap Kok Islandl

How to go? By S1/S52/S63 and leave at Fuel Depot and then walk 3xx steps to the top of hill, the stair is just next to the bridge

Pros? The whole airport can be seen

Cons? "Supertele" lens are required, no toilet, no food store

Hints? Bring everything you want, including food, films ......

3. San Lo Wan (see example here)

Where? Lantau Island

How to go? S37 at Tung Chung Bus Stop to the Tung Chung Pier and then wait for ferry - additional walk from the So Lo Wan Pier to the Sub Station of HK Observatory

Pros? Both runways can be seen, enjoy countryside life, good position for shooting 07R holding point

Cons? Limitation on transportation, longer time on walking to the shooting place

Hints? Aware dogs

 4. Outside HAECO (see example here)

Where? Western end of the airport

How to go? Citybus S52 (from Tung Cung MTR Station to HAECO)

Pros? Both runways can be seen

Cons? Limitation on transportation, no toilet, no food, no weather proof

Hints? Enjoy sun and rain

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