From the South China Morning Post this week in: 1973
Kai Tak was feeling the strain as early as 1973, and one site for a new airport was ruled out for a reason that now seems ironic ...
Three possible sites have been suggested for a second international airport in Hong Kong to ease pressure on Kai Tak. Consultants carrying out a HK$6 million study on Hong Kong's aviation future are looking at the merits of a new airport in Sai Kung, Sha Tin or on Lamma Island.
The need for a second airport to take some of the strain off Kai Tak was pointed out again this week by the airport's general manager, Ken Smith. He spoke of the 'tremendous' problems and pressures on land-starved Kai Tak, and the strain would increase 'unless you are fortunate enough to establish another airport elsewhere'.
The Civil Aviation Department has refused to comment on the calls for a second airport.
It is known, however, that the possibility of a second, 'satellite' airport is one of several alternatives being studied by the Los Angeles consultants, Ralph Parsons and Co. They are building up a dossier on the strain of increasing air traffic into Kai Tak. Three million passengers passed through last year and air traffic is doubling every three years.