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July 6, 1998: ‘Roger, over and out, Kai Tak’ - Hong Kong’s old airport closes

  • Lights go out for the last time as army of staff works overnight on move to Chek Lap Kok

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Crowds at Kai Tak for the airport’s final hours. Photo: Edward Wong
This article was first published in the South China Morning Post on July 6, 1998. It has been republished online as part of Hong Kong 25, which looks at how the city has changed since the handover, and what its future holds.

By Rachel Clarke

The lights were turned out at Kai Tak at 1.16 this morning, marking the end of the airport’s 73-year history.

“Goodbye Kai Tak and thank you,” said Director of Civil Aviation Richard Siegel, before throwing the switch.

As the lights went out, hundreds of people worked through the night in a hectic 13-hour operation to move the last pieces of equipment to the new airport at Chek Lap Kok, 35km away.

The last pilot to fly out of Kai Tak was 51-year-old Kim Sharman, making his final flight before retiring.

A passenger plane roars over Kowloon City as it approaches Kai Tak Airport on April 18, 1995. Photo: Oliver Tsang
A passenger plane roars over Kowloon City as it approaches Kai Tak Airport on April 18, 1995. Photo: Oliver Tsang
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