Singapore, Hong Kong fight to rule Asia air hots up
It's a race between global hubs. Who'll win?
For decades, Singapore and Hong Kong have reigned supreme: as key transit points connecting travellers in Asia to and from the rest of the world. But now, a $1-trillion (about R12.95-trillion) global airport spree is threatening the status quo. Half that money is due to be spent on upgrading or building new airports in Asia, the Sydney-based CAPA Centre for Aviation estimates. In Beijing, a new $12.9-billion airport due to open in 2019 will turn China's capital into one of the world's biggest aviation hubs. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is set for 117-billion baht (about R45-billion) of upgrades through 2021 including a third runway. South Korea's Incheon International Airport is spending 5-trillion won (about R58-billion) on a second terminal as it aims to become "the world's leading mega-hub airport". As part of efforts to keep up, Singapore's Changi Airport this month unveiled a S$1.3-billion (R12.4-billion) fourth terminal. Hong Kong, meanwhile, plans to fill in part of the Sou...
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