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There are very few things in life that can top the genuine excitement of jetting off on holiday, but shuffling along a seemingly endless check-in queue comes pretty close to ruining the vibe. Thankfully, the brand new Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport is officially opening at the end of May, just in time to help ease the crowds during summer peak season. With a handful of airlines relocating and new transport routes, navigating the airport is going to look a little different – so let’s make sure you know exactly where you’re going.
When does Terminal 2 open?
The official opening date for the brand new Terminal 2 departure facilities is May 27.
Which airlines are moving to Terminal 2?
If you’re planning a quick getaway within the region, you’ll likely be heading straight to T2. The first stage of operations will see 15 airlines relocate to the new terminal, focusing almost entirely on short-haul and regional routes. The move will take place in phases – here’s a breakdown of the relocation schedule and the airlines’ corresponding check-in aisles:
| Effective date (2026) | Airlines | Check-in aisle |
|---|---|---|
| May 27 | Hong Kong Airlines | Q |
| May 28 | AirAsia | V |
| Batik Air | W | |
| Hainan Airlines | V | |
| Philippines AirAsia | V | |
| Thai AirAsia | V | |
| Thai Lion Air | W | |
| June 2 | Air Cambodia | W |
| IndiGo | W | |
| VietJet Air | W | |
| June 3 | Bangkok Airways | V |
| Greater Bay Airlines | Q | |
| Jeju Air | V | |
| June 9 | Cebu Pacific | P |
| June 10 | HK Express | U |
New facilities at Terminal 2
According to officials, the new departure facilities are expected to handle roughly eight million passenger trips in the first year. These features include eight check-in aisles and over 170 counters in total. Instead of staring at the back of someone’s head for an hour, travellers can head straight to a dedicated self-service zone spanning aisles R, S, T, and U, which are fully equipped with smart check-in kiosks and automated express bag drop counters. After doing so, passengers can then go through the e-security gates to the restricted area for security screening and immigration procedures.
How to get to Terminal 2
Since the T2 passenger concourse and boarding gates won’t open until 2027, you’ll need to know how to move between the two terminals for check-ins and departure gates.
By Airport Express: Two new platforms – Platform 3 (bound for AsiaWorld-Expo) and 4 (bound for Hong Kong Station) – are now open at T2. If you’re coming from Hong Kong, Kowloon, or Tsing Yi, exit from the right side of the train’s forward direction to reach Terminal 2. And if you’re coming from AsiaWorld-Expo, exit from the left side of the train’s forward direction and just follow the signs straight to the T2 departures level.
By bus: Airport buses (‘A’ routes) will now make a stop at the T2 departures level after stopping at T1, while ‘E’ and ‘B’ routes will have different stops at T2 depending on the route, so do check ahead before you go.
How to get from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1
During normal operating hours (5.30am-12.30am), you can complete security and immigration at T2, then hop onto the driverless Automated People Mover train to reach T1, T1 Satellite Concourse, or T1 Midfield Concourse. If you happen to be travelling during the dead of night between 12.31am and 5.29am, the Terminal 2 security gates and trains will not be operating, so after you’ve checked in and dropped your bags at T2, you’ll have to walk your way over to T1 by following directional signs.
Airport Express Grand Lucky Draw
To celebrate the opening of the new platforms at Airport station, MTR is launching the ‘Airport Express Double Rewards’ promotion. From May 27 to June 30, eligible MTR Mobile members who use their linked Octopus to take the Airport Express between Airport or AsiaWorld-Expo stations and Hong Kong, Kowloon, or Tsing Yi station can earn extra MTR Points and enter in a lucky draw. There are over 10,000 prizes up for grabs, including a chance to win round-trip Business Class flight tickets for two! Additionally, from May 27 to August 26, the Airport Express Morning Express Service will be extended to run all day. During this period, passengers will be able to use their Octopus to travel on the Airport Express from Kowloon or Tsing Yi stations to Hong Kong station for a special fare of just $25.
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