Return of 11 Skies project to Airport Authority will spur hub development: experts

A government adviser and a hospitality sector expert have praised Hong Kong airport authorities' decision to reclaim the 11 Skies mall project, which they believe will stimulate the development of the city's aviation hub. New World Development (NWD), the developer behind the project, announced on Friday that it will return the project, along with an entertainment complex and three office towers, to the Airport Authority next year after significant financial losses.

The move comes as part of the Skytopia blueprint, which aims to create a destination offering shopping, dining, hospitality, business, and entertainment experiences.

Perry Yiu Pak-leung, a board member of the Airport Authority, supported the decision, stating that resolving the issue would enable the project to kick off in 2028 and advance faster. Yiu, who is also the chairman of China Travel Service (Hong Kong), emphasized that 11 Skies would focus on providing innovative entertainment experiences, such as a collaboration between go-karting facilities and car brands, as well as leveraging the airport's cold chain logistics for a fresh food market.

Dennis Wong Ka-wing, head of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education's department of hospitality, highlighted that the deal would boost tourism under the aviation hub blueprint. However, he noted that the project had low footfall due to surrounding construction sites and a lack of clear visitor routes to the airport. Wong suggested that the Airport Authority could improve accessibility by opening more walkways and providing cheaper parking rates to entice locals.

Additionally, he pointed out the potential for attracting high-end travelers through the future AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 development, which could offer premium medical services and luxury hotels.