HKIA opens first premium city terminal in Qianhai

Video and photos by Lin Jianping

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) marked a major milestone Wednesday with the official opening of its first premium city terminal in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), located at the JEN Shenzhen Qianhai Hotel.

The new city terminal at the JEN Shenzhen Qianhai Hotel. 

The new facility is HKIA’s 31st city terminal in the GBA and the 8th in Shenzhen, offering seamless multi-modal connectivity between the two cities. Positioned in a key transport hub, the JEN Shenzhen Qianhai Hotel City Terminal features self-service check-in counters, exclusive lounge areas, and tailored services for high-end travelers, enabling a “from doorstep to boarding gate” international travel experience.

Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said the launch marks “a significant achievement in expanding HKIA’s city terminal network across the GBA and a fresh attempt at premium service models.” She added: “This facility will enhance comfort and efficiency for frequent business and international travelers, while deepening integration of multi-modal services between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.”

A passenger prints out a boarding pass at the self-check in and bag tag printing machine.

The new terminal will gradually roll out pre-check and baggage drop-off services, allowing passengers to complete check-in and luggage handling in Shenzhen before heading to HKIA, reducing time spent at the airport.  Starting October 2025, travelers departing via cross-boundary transport from city terminals will also enjoy a HK$200 departure tax refund, bringing tangible cost savings.

In parallel, HKIA’s new Indoor Coach Terminal at Terminal 2 will open on September 23, 2025, with 41 bays dedicated to buses, cross-boundary coaches, and private cars. Operating 24/7, the hub will directly link to Terminal 1, further enhancing connectivity across Hong Kong and the GBA.

Chapman Fong, Director of Hub Development at Airport Authority Hong Kong, highlighted the significance of Qianhai as “a frontier of Shenzhen–Hong Kong cooperation and home to many financial, commercial, and tech enterprises.” He said the JEN Hotel city terminal is designed specifically to cater to high-end travelers frequenting HKIA from this area.

James Wong, CEO of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Ltd., which is partnering in the project, called the opening “an important milestone in extending our cross-boundary services and advancing transportation integration in the GBA.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to passenger-first service and regional connectivity.

James Wong, CEO of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Ltd., highlights the importance of the city terminal's opening.

With dedicated check-in facilities and cross-boundary shuttle services, the new city terminal allows passengers to complete boarding formalities in Qianhai and travel directly to HKIA’s restricted area without repeated immigration checks — cutting overall travel time significantly.

As one of the world’s busiest international hubs, HKIA serves over 140 airlines and 220 destinations worldwide. By expanding its sea–land–air multi-modal transport network, HKIA is strengthening its role as the “dual gateway” connecting the GBA and mainland China with the rest of the world.

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