Hong Kongs Kai Tak Airport (formerly the "Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)'') opened in 1936 and served Hong Kong for more than sixty years. In 1947, only three airlines operated through Kai Tak with a monthly total of 141 aircraft movements and 1,958 passengers. In 1954, as the existing terminal building was becoming congested, land reclamation commenced and this was followed by the construction of a runway promontory into the harbor together with a new passenger terminal. By 1969 the airport was handling approximately 2,200 passengers each hour and with the introduction of Boeing 747 aircraft, the single runway was extended in 1974 to its present length of 3,392 meters. In 1997, more than 28 million passengers and 1.7 million tons of cargo were handled at Kai Tak, more than twice the volume a decade ago. Some 67 airlines were operating scheduled services each day; over 420 aircraft arrived or departed at a frequency of one ever two minutes during peak periods. Owing to its location in the urban area, any further expansion was severely constrained which has resulted in Kai Tak operating well over its design capacity.

To meet the growing economic needs of Hong Kong, the government has built a replacement airport at Chek Lap Kok, an island some twenty seven kilometers to the west of Kai Tak. On 5 July 1998 Hong Kong international airport (Kai Tak) closed and its role has now been taken over completely by the new airport at Chap Lap Kok.