Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hok-fung and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 3):

Question: 

     Quite a number of Tung Chung residents have relayed to me that, following the extension of operating hours of the South Runway to 2 am implemented by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) in August last year, the problem of late-night aircraft noise has been aggravated significantly. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given the AA's proposal to put the South Runway on standby at night, where possible, so as to avoid impact of aircraft noise on Tung Chung residents, whether the authorities know the utilisation rate of the South Runway between 12 midnight and 2 am over the past two years;
 
(2) given that the AA has undertaken to continuously monitor the impact of aircraft noise on nearby residents and to collaborate with the Civil Aviation Department to implement various noise mitigation measures, of the specific follow-up actions taken by both parties, such as whether additional long-term noise monitoring terminals will be set up in residential areas in the light of the development of Tung Chung New Town; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) as there are views pointing out that, given the AA's measure to shift cargo flights to the South Runway during the early hours to mitigate the impact on residents in the vicinity of Siu Lam and So Kwun Wat, there is a significant increase in the number of flights using the South Runway during such hours, bringing direct impact on the sleep quality of Tung Chung residents, whether the authorities have checked if the noise levels in the aforementioned locations during the early hours have exceeded the standards of excessive noise causing sleep disturbance recommended by the World Health Organization?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is one of the busiest international airports in the world. To consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) has been committed to enhancing the handling capacity and efficiency of the HKIA while taking into account environmental impacts, and will flexibly deploy the use of the three runways in light of the operational needs of the airport and flights.
 
     With regard to the Three-Runway System (3RS) Project, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has approved the relevant Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report (including the Aircraft Noise Assessment Report) in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) and issued the Environmental Permit (EP) to the AA. To minimise the impact of aircraft noise on residents living near the flight paths, the AA has always strictly complied with the conditions of the permit and relevant statutory requirements, conducted regular noise assessments to ensure that runway usage arrangements comply with the aircraft noise standards stipulated by the EPD, and maintained communication and provided explanations to relevant stakeholders (including the Islands Community Liaison Group).
 
     My reply to questions raised by the Hon Chan Hok-fung is as follow:
 
(1) and (3) Under current arrangements, the HKIA operates with dual-runway between 11pm and 2am, where the South Runway is primarily used for departures, while also handling a small number of landings, mainly for freighters. During these hours, the traffic volume handled by the two runways is similar.
 
     Regarding the potential health impacts that may be caused by aircraft noise, the AA has made reference to relevant guidelines, including those issued by the World Health Organization, when conducting the health impact assessment in the EIA study. The assessment indicates that both short-term and long-term potential health risks resulting from the operation of the 3RS are within acceptable levels. The AA will closely monitor the relevant latest international developments and adopt appropriate measures as and when necessary.
 
(2)  The AA and the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) have all along attached great importance to the potential impact of aircraft movements on the community. On the premise of ensuring aviation safety, a number of aircraft noise mitigation measures have been implemented in accordance with international guidelines and practices, with a view to reducing the impact on neighbouring communities (including Tung Chung). Relevant measures include control at source by prohibiting/restricting aircrafts with higher noise levels from operating in Hong Kong, and reducing the number of flights overflying densely populated areas at night when weather and safety conditions permit, such as arranging arrival aircrafts to land from the southwest over the water, thereby mitigating the noise impact on residents living in the vicinity of the airport.
 
     In respect of aircraft noise monitoring, the AA has, in accordance with the EP requirements, submitted and obtained approval from the EPD for the aircraft noise monitoring plan prior to the commissioning of the 3RS. The AA will continue carrying out relevant noise monitoring work in compliance with the EP requirements to confirm that runway usage arrangements comply with the aircraft noise standards stipulated by the EPD. In addition, the CAD has been utilising a computerised Aircraft Noise and Flight Track Monitoring System to collect noise data through multiple outdoor noise monitoring terminals set up along or close to the flight paths operating into and out of the HKIA. This reflects the aircraft noise situation in various districts, and the distribution of noise levels across districts is regularly published on the CAD website. 
 
     With advancement of aviation technology, aircrafts' engines are quieter than before, and the improved design of airframe has also helped reduce the sound level generated by aircrafts. To encourage airlines to continuously upgrade their fleets and introduce aircrafts equipped with new navigation technologies for route operating to and from the HKIA, the CAD will grant priority use of relevant airport and runway facilities to aircrafts equipped with new navigation technologies, subject to weather and operational considerations. This aims to incentivise airlines to deploy such aircrafts on routes operating to and from the HKIA, thereby achieving more precise flight paths, optimising fleets and reducing the impact of aircraft noise on areas near flight paths. Meanwhile, the AA continues to encourage airlines to switch to and utilise a greater number of quieter new aircraft models through the "Noise Quota Count Scheme", so as to manage night-time flights' noise levels. Airlines are proactively and progressively upgrading their aircrafts, with the proportion of new-model aircraft in their fleets steadily rising, which will help reduce aircraft noise in the long run.
 
     While consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, the Government will continue to balance community well-being and environmental benefits, proactively promoting the synergistic development of the aviation industry and the environment to achieve high-quality and sustainable growth.
 
     Thank you, President.

Ends/Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:06

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