Hong Kong airport launches Skytopia marina project

• Yacht Bay will open as the first phase of a massive marina project adjacent to Hong Kong airport

• The project includes what is set to become the city's largest marina as well as water recreation facilities and a marine resort

• The marine resort will host a 300-key waterfront hotel and promenade along the water's edge

Read more: Hong Kong to boost tourism on Lantau with 'eco-recreation corridor'

Skytopia marina project - an artist's impression of how the marina project and Yacht Bay would look

Read more: New airport hotel planned for Singapore's Changi

Hong Kong Airport Authority has officially launched its marina project as part of its wider Skytopia development. It is now seeking expressions of interest in the 200-hectare project with the first phase, Yacht Bay, expected to be completed in 2028.

Skytopia was announced as a new airport city last year and the Airport Authority has now confirmed that it will open in phases from 2028 with final completion in 2032. The destination will introduce water attractions, shopping, hotels, marina facilities and aviation services to Hong Kong International Airport.

Yacht Bay is slated to become a major marina cluster, incorporating new marina and water recreation facilities and existing yacht clubs in the city. The project will focus around Airport Bay Marina, which is set to become Hong Kong’s largest marina, eventually hosting 500 berths, half of which will be dedicated to vessels more than 30m and several specialised berths for superyachts of 100m and up to 150m. 

The marina will be supported by an adjacent Marine Resort with a 300-key, waterfront hotel; a promenade along the waterfront will also be constructed. It’s anticipated the 100-hectare Water Recreation zone will become the city’s largest aquatic entertainment attraction with water park-style activities as well as organised water sports for all ages.

Hong Kong Airport Authority's Vivian Cheung (left) and Cissy Chan at the launch of the Skytopia marina project

Away from the water, the wider Skytopia project will include the 350,000sqm mixed-use 11 Skies development, with around 800 dining and retail venues, three office towers, medical services and indoor entertainment. An enhanced Business Aviation Centre and a HKIA VIP Lounge are also part of the plans.

The marina project aims to position Hong Kong as a premier yachting tourism destination with sea-air-land integration enabling yacht-to-flight and flight-to-waterfront connection. It’s also strategically positioned at the centre of the Greater Bay Area. 

Earlier this month, Airport Authority Hong Kong launched an Expression of Interest exercise for Skytopia’s Yacht Bay. While AAHK will invest in the enabling works and infrastructural facilities, such as the piazza and cove-side promenade, it is seeking to attract input in marina development and operations, yacht services, hospitality, tourism and large-scale mixed-use projects. 

“Skytopia offers an exceptional and prime location for water-themed projects rarely found in established international markets,” said Vivian Cheung, chief executive officer of AAHK. “The launch of this Expression of Interest exercise marks another important milestone in Skytopia’s journey… These developments underscore our commitment to realising Skytopia as a world class destination that integrates air travel with entertainment and waterfront leisure. We invite the global marina, hospitality and investment sectors to contribute innovative ideas and collaborate with us in launching a new chapter of yacht tourism in Asia.”

Further airport-located projects include the AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 expansion which is slated for completion also in 2028. Check-in facilities at the airport’s refurbished Terminal 2 are due to open on May 27.