Close calls in Hong Kong airspace prompt lawmakers to look for answers over air traffic control system
There were reportedly 17 times in 2017 that two aircraft flew closer to each other than they should have – the highest count in 6 years
Hong Kong’s already congested airspace is only going to get busier, as the city’s airport races to open its third runway by 2023 to move 100 million travellers a year, and the four airports within 150km of it expand to meet burgeoning demand for passenger and cargo flights.
So recent news that there were 17 times last year when two aircraft flew closer to each other than they should have – the highest count in six years – prompted at least two lawmakers to call for renewed scrutiny of air traffic operations.
Tien, who heads Legco’s transport panel, said: “Why should we hang on to this? Simply, no one wants to admit that what we bought might not be the best – and last year has come and gone and the government hasn’t done anything.
“I am going to raise some red flags again.”