Hong Kong International Airport "Inaccessible" North Satellite Concourse

[Caravelle]

I have just visited CLK airport this week and realised that the North Satellite Concourse is ready. I tried to look out for an underground passageway leading to this Satellite Concourse from the main building but there wasn't one. I realise that accessibility, when it is opened will be through a dedicated fleet of APVs (Airside Passenger Vehicles). This certainly isn't good for concourse connectivity. I say - 1 point down for Hong Kong airport. This concourse may be designated for budget flights - yet - it really ought to be connected by a passageway to the main terminal. The last time - something like that was attempted was at Washington Dulles Airport - busing passengers from concourse to terminal - which ultimately proved to be inefficient and unpopular and has since been ditched. Remember, it is not just inconvenient to passengers but also to airport staff. Additionally who wishes for more vehicles on the tarmac? Presumably, if your flight is delayed, you will not be allowed to return to the main terminal. What a pain. Back to the drawing board and an underground tunnel, please.

http://www1.aedas.com/Asia/NorthSatelliteConcourse

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=45736843

[Caravelle]

Ill conceived HK Airport North Satellite Concourse.

[fuu99]

There probably were budget constraints?

[scooby5]

I always, from day 1, thought all they would do is extend the train line in the basement.

[Caravelle]

I always, from day 1, thought all they would do is extend the train line in the basement.

The train line, I presume will run in a linear manner all the way to the another proposed concourse - the X-shape building. The North Satellite Concourse does not fall on this linear grid and I suppose it would be difficult to have the train line connecting it to the main terminal (as an off-shoot line would have to be built). A pedestrianised tunnel would have sufficed. The X-shape concourse building at the end of the Terminal 1 Y-shape concourse was planned right from the start. The North Satellite Concourse looks like an after thought, and hence probably the lack of planning foresight.

[scooby5]

Then maybe i'm just getting my terminals mixed up. Thanks, I thought we were talking about the X-Shape one but a) I've not been through HK in a year and b) I can never remember whish is N-S-E-W

[SQTalker]

http://www.hkatc.gov.hk/HK_AIP/supp/A24-09.pdf