When Kai Tak closed, there was only one runway in use, numbered 13/31 and oriented southeast-northwest (134/314 degrees true, 136/316 degrees magnetic). The runway was made by reclaiming land from the harbour and was extended several times after its initial construction.

Jun 30, 2023 · The turn that made Kai Tak famous: A Lufthansa 747-400 makes the famous 45-degree turn over Kowloon City for runway 13. "It was totally unique," says former Cathay Pacific pilot Russell Davie.

Feb 9, 2022 · The approach for landing on runway 13 was the most challenging, known to pilots as the Chequerboard Approach. It began to the southwest of the airport, close to the outlying island of Cheung Chau, and close to the current airport location.

May 18, 2020 · Before its current airport on Chek Lap Kok island, there was Kai Tak. With its runway given the nickname "Kai Tak Heart Attack", the airport was well known among pilots and passengers for its hair raising approach.

Jun 28, 2024 · The Japanese expanded Kai Tak and used Allied prisoners-of-war to build two concrete runways for the Japanese Army. The runways were 13/31 and 07/15. The historic wall of the Kowloon Walled City and other parts of the city were destroyed for their materials to …

Jul 21, 2017 · Despite the dangers, Runway 13/31 became the busiest single runway in the world, with 36 landings and take-offs per hour. A Cathay Pacific aircraft makes its final approach to Kai Tak, 1998.

In 1958, a new northwest/southeast heading 2529 meter runway was constructed on a promontory into Kowloon Bay. The name Hong Kong International Airport was officially adopted for Kai Tak Airport. In 1962, a passenger terminal building was built. Turboprop aircraft were being replaced by jets such as the Boeing 707, DC8 and de Havilland Comet.

Apr 25, 2017 · With the perilous runway that extends to the sea and a descent through the tall buildings and mountains, Kia Tak Airport was the ultimate test for pilots taking off or landing at the airport. The airport was a site of botched landings that included incidences such as planes crashing into the water and pilots rerouting during poor conditions.

Jun 30, 2024 · When we have a look into historic airspace charts depicting the navaids in place for Hong Kong Kai Tak runway 13-31, it becomes apparent that those are quite rare for the timeframe of the 1960s. As part of this article’s research, the first chart found in credible sources dates back to 1968.

Aug 20, 2021 · Runway 13/31 was once known as the most dangerous runway in history, and was the reason why Kai Tak Airport was ranked one of the most dangerous airports in the world.