Hong Kong Sevens: Cathay fly-past evokes fond memories of Kai Tak Airport
Contrasting reactions as visitors inside 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium unable to see plane except on live stream
Tens of thousands of people have witnessed a sensational fly-past above Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, which evoked nostalgia as the city held the Sevens rugby tournament at the site of its old airport in Kai Tak for the first time.
There were contrasting reactions to the brief moment when Cathay Pacific Airways flight 8100 flew at an altitude of just 1,100 feet (335 metres) above the harbour and near the old runway on Sunday.
Many spectators inside the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium did not see the plane except on a large LED screen, as they thought they had to look through the open roof rather than through the window of the South Stand, where the aircraft could be seen. Many booed in disapproval.
But outside the stadium, from both sides of the harbour and on high ground, onlookers cheered enthusiastically and took out their smartphones and cameras to film and take pictures.
The plane took off from Hong Kong International Airport at 4.07pm via Victoria Harbour to the east of Hong Kong before returning and landing at 4.38pm. It flew over the water and avoided passing directly above buildings.
Queenie Yip, who works in the entertainment industry, said she was thrilled to see the plane go past Kai Tak, as it was a part of her fond childhood memories.