The authority managing Hong Kong International Airport has taken over the retail operations of the 11 Skies development from New World Development, according to multiple sources cited by the South China Morning Post.
The move comes ahead of the planned opening of Terminal 2 and marks a significant change in control of one of Hong Kong’s largest commercial projects.
The takeover involves the retail and dining section of 11 Skies, which covers about 2.66 million square feet, representing roughly 70 per cent of the entire development.
The 11 Skies project is one of the largest mixed-use developments linked to airport expansion plans in Hong Kong. It combines retail, entertainment, and office spaces near the airport area.
Sources said the Airport Authority Hong Kong has now assumed responsibility for key parts of the retail operations, although the full scope of the takeover has not been officially confirmed.
It remains unclear whether the authority has also taken control of the remaining components of the project, including about 570,000 square feet of entertainment space and another 570,000 square feet of Grade A office space.
The development of 11 Skies has been closely linked to Hong Kong’s broader effort to strengthen its position as an international aviation and commercial hub.
The project is designed to attract both tourists and business travellers by combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and office facilities in one integrated complex.
The decision to bring retail operations under the control of the Airport Authority suggests a shift toward tighter integration between airport management and surrounding commercial developments.
Analysts say such moves are often aimed at improving coordination, increasing efficiency, and ensuring that large airport-linked projects align more closely with aviation traffic growth.
Hong Kong has been working to enhance its airport infrastructure as regional competition among major Asian aviation hubs continues to grow.
The expansion of Hong Kong International Airport, including the development of Terminal 2, is part of a long-term strategy to increase passenger capacity and improve commercial offerings.
The 11 Skies project is expected to play an important role in supporting that strategy by providing additional retail and leisure options for travellers.
However, the partial takeover also raises questions about the future structure of the development and how responsibilities will be divided between public authorities and private developers.
New World Development, one of Hong Kong’s major property firms, has been involved in several large-scale commercial projects across the city.
The company has not yet publicly commented on the reported transfer of retail control.
Industry observers say the decision could reflect broader financial or operational adjustments within large infrastructure-linked real estate projects.
Airport-linked retail developments are increasingly important in global aviation hubs, where airports generate significant non-aeronautical revenue through shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities.
In many cases, these commercial spaces are designed not only for travellers but also for local visitors, turning airports into wider lifestyle destinations.
The 11 Skies project follows this global trend, aiming to combine transport infrastructure with large-scale retail and entertainment experiences.
As Hong Kong continues to recover and reposition itself in the global travel market, the success of developments like 11 Skies may become increasingly important.
For now, the Airport Authority’s expanded role signals a new phase in the project’s development as it moves closer to full operation alongside Terminal 2.
