Was Hong Kong’s Kai Tak the world’s scariest airport?

Subscribe to our KZbin channel for free here:
sc.mp/subscribe-youtube
Read more about Kai Tak Airport from SCMP: sc.mp/0gkk
Video at 00:28-00:46, 1:02-1:08, 4:47-5:06, 6:45-7:00 and 7:58-8:05 is courtesy of / airboyd
Kai Tak was an international airport situated in the heart of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Peninsula. In 1998, it was replaced by the Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok, but Kai Tak Airport still sparks nostalgia among both aviation professionals and Hongkongers alike. While Hong Kong’s "new" airport is considered one of the best in the world, fond memories remain of old Kai Tak, a city symbol with a memorable place in local history.
Note: The work of aviation photographer Daryl Chapman who appears in this video is distributed by www.foxsteelvessel.com
Support us:
subscribe.scmp.com
Follow us on:
Website: www.scmp.com
Facebook: / scmp
Twitter: / scmpnews
Instagram: / scmpnews
Linkedin: / south-china-morning-post
#scmp #SCMPOriginals #KaiTakAirport

[@SouthChinaMorningPost]

Read more about Kai Tak Airport from SCMP: sc.mp/0gkk

[@Sacto1654]

It's actually a miracle we haven't had more accidents at that airport. Probably because of its very difficult approach, only specially trained pilots could fly there.

[@haltsmaul.]

Oftentimes things that are (perceived as being) dangerous make us pay more attention and be careful to the point that there are less incidents than if they were more safe. Road engineers sometimes make roads more narrow, bendy with obstacles and with trees alongside just so that people not only drive slower, but also more attentively because it feels risky to not pay attention and have your foot hovering over the brake pedal.

[@Homer-je1pz]

@@haltsmaul. perceived safety vs actual safety. People drive as safely they feel safe driving.

[@unreliablenarrator6649]

I remember the China Airlines runway over-run with the plane sitting in Kowloon Bay for days until it was retrieved.

[@EvoraGT430]

@@unreliablenarrator6649 That plane was 6 weeks old.....

[@peppatheoof]

@@haltsmaul. Seriously. I always say, the best way to get people to slow down is to make their path narrower. If it's wider and more open, there's more incentive and less risk/obstacle. But if it's narrow and *seemingly* more challenging people inherently slow down

[@kinw5648]

I remember as a kid whenever visiting family in Hong Kong, in the early 90s, it was such an awesome site flying over the building you can see the people inside. And when in the streets, you can hear the roar getting louder then a giant plane flies overhead. Great memories but of course as a kid, didn't realize how dangerous it can be lol

[@JIM-WALTON]

ESTABLISH YOUR SELF THROUGH INVESTMENT. 👇👇👇👇 @JIMWALTONS

[@kenchan994]

That’s sooo right. Same here seeing this as a kid.

[@SK-lt1so]

You would plunge towards the runway with residential buildings on either side, residence in view thru windows.

[@leealex24]

I flew from KL -> HK in the 90's to Kai Tak airport when I was a kid. I remembered quite clearly it was so scary when the airplane so near to the buildings and began to wonder if we were to land at the city center instead of the airport! Crazy. :)

[@AudieHolland]

I think it would be far more dangerous to go to a fair and get on board one of those 'vertical lift' contraptions.

[@maorifulla]

My brother flew for Air New Zealand as a pilot and he would tell me stories of how he would see people hanging their washing out on the line flying into Kai Tak. He said it was the most exciting airport to fly into and it really made him work for his pay. He passed away in 2008.

[@capricorn839]

He is a skilled pilot though

[@hellomoto2084]

Rest in peace may you brother

[@johnling5219]

I understand that only too well. I recall one take off - it appeared between the skyscrapers and watch people eating their meals as we flew past their flats/units.

[@the.mystictraveller]

I was honored to be on the 2nd last flight to have landed at Kai Tak on the day it closed. The whole airport was in a state of move... packing boxes everywhere. Then after 1am, I could see the boats packing up containers and shipping out from Kai Tak to Chep Lap Kok. I was staying at a hotel near the Convention Centre at the time. It was sad and exciting at the same time.

[@darylkidscorner6174]

I was there for the last landing and at CLK for the first arrival

[@bsmith1164]

I worked the last evening shift at Kai Tak tower and the first dayshift at CLK tower (scheduling screwup, but I didn't care). I loved Kai Tak, but CLK is too sterile to be exciting as Kai Tak was.

[@bryangaming2411]

@@bsmith1164you a pilot?

[@VaoDxArchAngel]

@@bryangaming2411 He would be an air traffic controller if he was in the towers

[@labuan5609]

That Cathay’s 747 photo was absolutely legendary!

[@hkgspotter1]

Thank you, I took that.

[@SO-rq3pm]

@@hkgspotter1 You should make it patented and sell it to the tourism board of HK or Cathy Pacific for marketing purposes! It's truly legendary, thank you! I'd seriously love to have a postcard or poster of that amazing piece!

[@lourencoleal248]

​@@hkgspotter1de la mer je pense que je vais bien 2 et que tu es une personne très très bien et toi qui a gagné la première coupe du monde de la mer 2 et ❤de la mer je vous souhaite ❤fêtes de fin d'année et à très bientôt

[@lourencoleal248]

​@@hkgspotter1²2222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222²²2222222222222222222222222²22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222²2²222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222²²222222222222222222222222222222222222222222²c222²²2²222c22222c2c2x22c222c2222c2222222222

[@deshkarthik]

I agree

[@perryugalde639]

As a business traveler, it was my fortune to experience Kai Tak ten times - twice a year in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. All travels originated from Seattle: 8 on Northwest Airlines, 2 on United Airlines, and all on 747's. Our first arrival was a hard-stand park. As my colleague and I waited to board the bus to bring us to the terminal, we looked at each other and said, "The Aroma of Tacoma." In retrospect, "The Aroma of Tacoma" is one of many wonderful intangible qualities that make Kai Tak both memorable and special to me.

[@nuomitang30]

It takes the world’s greatest and the most talented pilots to execute a landing without killing someone.

[@wengelder9256]

A special license is needed .

[@luckyme4136]

I don't think the pilot of the China Airlines 747 that ended up in the water can be described as MOST TALENTED 😏

[@ronenfefer6162]

@@luckyme4136 let’s put it this way: China airlines in the 90s and early 00s was one of airlines with the worst safety record.

[@SO-rq3pm]

@@luckyme4136 it's nothing to do with the airport or runway; China Airlines was infamous for their safety record

[@Gerryjournal]

Mostly Australian pilots I believe

[@BradleySkaggsNYC]

I remember flying on a 747 to Hong Kong in 1997, being on the right side of the plane and seeing in people's kitchens. I'll never forget it. You were literally flying between the buildings after that crazy bank turn to align with the runway.

[@ma2i485]

Crazy stuff

[@cherylwellham3786]

I recall the same thing. There was a man in his vest cooking on his stove top. We seemed to be flying in between the buildings. Unforgettable.

[@Golo1949]

I too remember the lurch to the right to line up with the runway, watching people in there rooms.

[@2009captainpaul]

It wasn't/isn't a myth about being able to see TV's in peoples living room. I flew into Kai Tak in 1991 and was sat on the right side (purposely asked for the seat 😃) of the Boeing 747, I can to this day still recall clearly seeing people hanging out their washing on balconies and even saw a few TV's in living rooms as we banked hard. Glad I got to do it just the once before this legendary airport closed down.

[@azmodanpc]

Been there 3 times before the closure. Can confirm it.

[@SO-rq3pm]

I can testify what you said. 30 seconds before landing I did also see people's TV at home, and some were doing their laundry at the open roof top of their residential building!

[@jamessimms415]

Same here. Flew into Kai Tak February 1985 while on leave w/the US Army in Korea. I was sitting in the right seat of a Thai International 747. Looked out into someone’s apartment watching tv.

[@ssj4david]

Can testify to exactly what you said. I could see people going about their days and see their TV screens on/ hanging laundry. Also felt like the plane was circling the entire city several times before touching down

[@putusancaya9985]

Even with all the problems Kai Tak emitted such as the noise, pollution and crashes, It is still sad to see such a wonderful airport go away.

[@RoyLimisAw3s0me]

an A380 can't land there anyhow; not enough runways haha

[@putusancaya9985]

Ok, that seems like the weirdest statement ever.

[@RoyLimisAw3s0me]

@@putusancaya9985 how weird is it? A380 is the biggest civilian airliner in the world; the length of Kai Tak wouldn't made the grade which means the airport is not suitable... and even there is no A380; HK had to build a new terminal anyhow also which means Kai Tak would be reclaimed for public infrastructure when Hong Kong has little available lands for development as well...

[@bossmen6665]

yes keep your cofin house

[@putusancaya9985]

Ok fair point, but Kai Tak will still be missed.

[@daviddoan3815]

I flew into HK for the first time in 1995 and I could actually see through the high rise windows, family having dinner like meters away. It was quite an experience that I will never forget.

[@bobbymoss6160]

I experienced taking off from Kai Tak when I was a child, as well as watching planes landing and taking off from high rise condo. Breathtaking.

[@Sacto1654]

I remember in 1979 when I flew a Japan Airlines 747-200 from Hong Kong to Tokyo (and eventually onto San Francisco). And the plane was flying towards the mountains, too. The plane had to execute a fairly steep climb before it made a left turn.

[@markusjentesart]

I remember flying in and out of this airport as a kid, through to my teenage years. This was way back in the 80s to mid 90s. To this day, nothing quite comes close to the airport experience at Kai Tak. Truly a one of a kind place no matter which side of the runway you land or take-off from.

[@tubistify]

As a Dragonair pilot we flew into Kai Tak more than any other pilot. It became an everyday event. Four sector days meant both the Captain and F/O got a takeoff and landing every flying day. Other airlines found it tricky as they seldom flew into KaiTak. Even Cathay Pacific, mostly flying long haul, didn't get very many takeoffs and landings every month. It became second nature. We barely looked at the checker board. Stonecutters Island was the main landmark as a turning point on final approach.

[@edgey4970]

I was a ground engineer working at HAECO at Kai Tak and I flew a few times with Dragonair on the B737 as a flying spanner on flights to Kagoshima.

[@tubistify]

When we changed to the A320 in 1993 we'd take an engineer on every flight until the aircraft was bedded in. On the B737-200 all flights to Japan had a refueling stop in Kagoshima with the strong jetstream headwind on the return. On the A320 we could do direct to Sendai or Hiroshima both ways.@@edgey4970

[@thirdculturekid6815]

Hi, you would have known my father who also flew for Dragonair at that time, Brett W. I fondly remember riding the jump seat into Kai Tak with you guys many times. Incredible time and memories. My dad enjoyed those four sector days!

[@tubistify]

@@thirdculturekid6815 I knew Brett well. He should remember me. We were on the first command course on the A320. Unfortunately he did not pass the course. I did and had the pleasure of flying with him later. Check his log book for 5 Nov 93, 2 Dec 93, 16 Aug 94 and several more. 😎 We were also on our initial A320 course in Toulouse together as well. He was with Graeme Allen and I was with John Campbell.

[@jkardez4794]

Kai Tak is iconic. Actually it is more impressive from outside the plane when you can observe the movements of the aircraft from upclose as it negotiates the landing process . A hairy experience which is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Love the runway which goes straight into the sea- one mistake and you'll end up ditching.

[@Monsierecon]

I don't remember what year it was--it was 1995 or thereabouts. A typhoon hit Hong Kong and they turned planes away but for some reason they gave permission to a China Airlines plane to land. The plane couldn't stop in time and scuttled off the runway. No-one was hurt, fortunately. I remember the photo of the plane floating in the water.

[@edward88881]

Sitting beside the right window and looking out as the plane made its final short turn toward the runway was the most thrilling experience in aviation. My wall is decorated with a poster of a Northwest 747 taking off from Kai Tak. It was truly an iconic airport.

[@yuetkukoihoje]

Don't forget the unique beauty and the sparking views when you're landing at night. There's no way you can find another airport has that kind of night view in the world.

[@tinayu4540]

I remember landing there in '88 and I distinctly remember saying to my sister...are we going to hit the buildings, are we landing in the water? It was a scary and amazing experience. My parents live in Montebello, where the planes from LAX circle in the air for approach and it is deafening at times. The house would shake so bad. I can't even imagine how loud it is for the people living that close to Kai Tak.

[@cpcxgsr]

its LOUD. I remember as a kid, AC wasn't available for all rooms of your small apt. It's usually only in bedrooms. So when I was in my family's living room, their windows would be open. The ROAR of the jet engines is unforgettable. And same with the glimpse of seeing a 747 fly pass your window

[@kawasakifly]

Another montebello local! 👋

[@Wriggs74]

I was lucky enough to fly into the same airport in 1976. Sadly I was only 4 years old at the time, so don't really remember much. Later on in life my dad told me stories of how amazing the landings were and how amazing the pilots were to fly into this airport.

[@valeria-militiamessalina5672]

Oh wow, born when Nixon was in office, it's just stupendous that youtube is also populated by half-centenarians, true pre-internet era living fossils that give us the joy of learning more and more about bygone times.

[@vic3929]

Kai Tak airport surely left a beautiful memories to lots of people

[@richardschindler8822]

Fantastic video!! Brings back so many memories. I was a corporate pilot and flew a corporate BAC 1-11 into Kai Tak three times. It was the most fun as well as the scariest landings I had ever made in all of my career. Now retired.

[@darylkidscorner6174]

I only got to see one BAC 1-11 at Kai Tak. PK-TRU I think it was

[@eastendchico7503]

Not just Kai Tak but Hong Kong itself was once a unique place that was one and the only in the world. Sadly the sparkle has gone, it’s now dull and dreary.

[@hkgspotter1]

Oh dear.....

[@dwayneserjeant3582]

As a kid, we used to go and sit near the Checkerboard up at and watch planes from the huge park that was up near there. On other days we'd venture around the Walled City (which for kids was a scary and intriguing place all at one) and hang around Kowloon City. But the most fun was finding a Kowloon City low-rise residential building with an open-door to the roof. Getting up there with our cold ice lollies and lying on the hot roofs watching the planes fly overheard - we always joked that you could almost touch the wheels!

[@englishincontext4025]

I was cabin crew between 1974 and 1978 - BA on 747s. I flew into Hong Kong once and found the place to be brilliant and exciting. While other crew members who had been before related how 'hairy' the landing would be I was too busy preparing the cabin to see much. Which is a shame. I liked the idea of seeing into people's apartments as we roared past. At the age of 21 you never think you're going to die.

[@williamwong5627]

Back in 86 when I was in a 747 landing in HK. It was about lunch time and people could be seen having their meals. You could almost waved at them.

[@margaretreid7626]

Air New Zealand flight attendant in the day. Wonderful memories of Kai Tak and HKG

[@guineapiig8089]

I recall landing at kai tak as a kid. Its the only airport where you could see people walking about their apartments at the same level you were as the plane was going in.

[@jessy4935]

Flew into Kai Tak several times as a child in the 50s. It was quite spectacular, and an evening landing with all the lights was beautiful.

[@ekuche8335]

Greatest airport in history. At the height of the Golden Age of flying.

[@ianchu8232]

The power of the airplane is exciting, not the noise. I sat in one of the terminal buildings of Kai Tak and listened to the planes. The building shook every time a plane descended. I loved it. It's amazing human engineering can be this powerful.

[@Whiteshirtloosetie]

My Dad was stationed at RAF Kai Tak. We first lived at Kah Wah Terrace roughly behind the chequer Board before we moved to Prince Edward Road. It really was a magic place where memories still mean everything. Last one was sitting in a Bristol Brittania sitting backwards and the engines revving like mad on take off from Kai Tak. I still say that you can leave Hong Kong/ Kowloon but so pleased Hong Kong has never left me.

[@_Will919]

I was fortunate to be a passenger on one of the last commercial flight to land at Kai Tak. I was seated on the right side of the plane and while I don't recall what people were watching on TV, I clearly recall seeing ceiling fans spinning in their apartments. My grandfather, with whom I was traveling, was allowed to experience the landing from the cockpit, which he said was surreal.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Hong Kong was such a fascinating and unique place. Flying into Kai Tak was always a thrilling beginning to a fantastic visit to what was one of the world’s greatest cities. I don’t know about TVs, but one could definitely see the details of clothes that people were hanging out to dry on their balconies!

[@darylkidscorner6174]

Hong Kong IS a fascinating place, its been my home for MANY years.

[@MikoyanGurevichMiG21]

The fact that the infamous Walled City was right next to the airport always boggles my mind. Heard a lot from first hand accounts of people about how they could see into the complex's interiors and see people living in those apartments all from inside the plane! Always gives me the chills how close the planes flew next to them during their final approach.

[@seanvictor736]

I was working as a Flight Steward, in the 80’s, I remember once while on a L1011 Lockheed Tri Star, there was a huge storm with lot of wind and rain and the Captain had to turn around several times around the aircraft was thrown sideways several times I knew through experience that it is going to be a difficult landing for the pilots, especially as there were many high rise buildings and finally when we landed the plane skidded to the left and then to the right and I told myself this may end up badly, but luckily the pilots managed to manœuvre the aircraft skillfully and avoided a probable disaster, Once I was in a supernumerary crew(Passengering crew members) and as the Flight was full I had to sit behind the Captain’s seat, and the Flight was from Singapore to Hong Kong and I had a fine view of the Hong Kong airport through the large windows of the cockpit and it was quite scary landing over the high rise buildings, you could literally see the clothes hanging in the apartment balconies, a little bit of wind shear would easily plunge the aircraft towards the buildings, only experienced pilots were used as it was a high risk airport, one side there were buildings on the other the sea, and if the landing speed is not controlled the aircraft would invariably end up in the sea.

[@InTeCredo]

There was a famous film clip of Korean Air Lines 747 doing the crab landing. I can surmise what you experienced!

[@Zergcerebrates]

I’ve taken flights into Kaitak when I was a kid. It was so awesome, especially at night. It felt so low and so close to the buildings. The most exciting landings ever.

[@jaguargoldeagle8330]

I will never forget my very first flight to Hong Kong was from San Francisco on a United flight in 1997. At that time, I really never knew about or understood what Kai Tak or the checkerboard was all about and I regret not having done some plane spotting at that time. Over the years that have followed I have traveled to Hong Kong many times (about 2-3 times per year) for Business and am lucky to have the memories of Hong Kong. Not only flying into Hong Kong but being surrounded by the whole atmosphere and history of Hong Kong. Enjoying Cigar Bars, outdoor dinning, shopping, the Prince's building, the Mandarin Oriental, the Peninsula Hotel, and Lan Kwai Fong. I will be going back in a few months and want to hike around the checkerboard again as I understand it's been renovated / re-painted. Cheers Hong Kong.

[@eddyshawnkoh4536]

I had fon memory of this airport back in 1997 as a flight attendant. My hotel room was just there. U can literally see jumbo jet flying over. I was only 23 back then.😊❤❤❤❤

[@Jane-rg8uu]

It was the most heart stopping,breathtaking experience. I looked out of the window of the plane and I see a row of low flats. I could see inside their homes too. THAT was the HK I remember and love.

[@clitsing6034]

The first time I went to HK I wasn't prepared for the excitement of flying into Kai Tak. It was terrifying. Bravo to all the pilots who got us there.

[@DillandShaj]

Oh man flying that approach in flight sim was a thrill!

[@KC-rk7dw]

Those were the days. I was lucky enough to be able to work there in 30 years ago. Kai Tak is a legendary airport in aviation industry and hongkongers' hearts forever!

[@ernestojr.acosta972]

I remember as a kid, landing at Kai Tai during evening flights from my native Philippines. The lights and the rumbling sound of the plane engines as we approached Hong Kong is a lovely childhood memory of my family vacations there. It was a much simpler time then.

[@raymondso9570]

For those who wondered how loud it was to live under the flight path: I went to a primary school in 92-94 (La Salle) that was within 2km from the airport and directly under the approach... There is a reason why every classroom was equipped with an amplifier system, and even then the teacher had to take pauses. The old school building had no AC, just opened windows in the hot humid climate. It is amazing what we used to put up with!

[@mahmoodsheikh6822]

I had my most memorable air journeys started and ending at Hong Kong airport back in time during 1993 - 2000. One of the most iconic place and era

[@theharper1]

I'm glad that I got to experience landing there in 1993 in a Cathay Pacific 747-400. I was sitting on the right side, and while I couldn't see what people were watching on TV, it was shocking how close the wingtip looked to the buildings when it made that tight right hand turn to line up with the runway. The plane hit the ground so hard that overhead bins popped open. Landing at the new airport is very tame.

[@theart8039]

I remember as a boy taking off and landing at Kai Tak and it was always exciting , I was never frightened with BOAC pilots. I also lived in Kowloon City Police married quarters and when you went to Kowloon City market those planes were literally 50 feet above you and the noise was phenomenal. I used to hang out by the perimeter fence just to watch them take off and land..happy days

[@rian4104]

That legendary plane between building photograph will forever become part of HK history.

[@yaabaa]

I landed in Hong Kong for the first time when Chek Lap Kok airport had been running for just two weeks. I was really wishing I had booked that trip earlier so I didn't miss the Kai Tak experience!!! 😢😢

[@chinpinhon]

I can still remember the scene when the aircraft was flying so low I could see a group of people playing mahjong in an apartment. Fantastic flying skill.

[@giuseppecasara1143]

Unforgettable experience during my working years, flying over H.Kong on 747 and just over the buildings with the right turn at the latest moment ..... to cope with the runway.... from 1985 to 1998 4/5 times every year on business trip from Venice via Amsterdam on KLM .....Those were the years.... and then the new airport Chek Lap Kok, but Kai Tak still lies on my heart.....

[@thibaudmerlin]

Landing at Kai Tak is something you never forget✈

[@gregghansen1579]

I totally agree! In fact, my family and I crashed into Kowloon Bay on a Thai Airways flight on June 30, 1967...I remember it like it happened yesterday! We were making an approach into Kai Tai during a typhoon at about 4 PM when the pilot realized that we were too low too soon. So, we ended up landing in the water about 900 yards off the end of the runway. Luckily, my whole family survived the crash but 24 of the 80 people on the flight didn't. About 20 years later, I was on a business trip to HK and we approached over the city on another Thai Airways flight, in an Airbus! I was white-knuckling the whole landing until we came to a stop at the terminal!

[@asifansari3430]

I used the airport in 1981...what a memory of HK

[@ybing]

it represent a great time of HK that will never get back, all the nice memories; used to sit a the window watch planes from runway 31, telling my grandpa (who past during the pandemic which I can't return to see him) what plane and airline were landing or taking off... still remember the first time seeing the jet bridge that will move up and down for departure and arrival level... Remember the night they have to blow off the tail of the China Airlines, sleeping in my room and heard the bang...

[@nathonn9334]

ah yes, the airbus radio altimeter callouts at 1:40

[@bblix]

In the mid 80s I travelled from Tokyo to Oslo and spent a few of days in Hong Kong and Bangkok. Landing at Kai Tak was spectacular, especially when we passed The Walled City.

[@fractode]

Wow, this brings back some fond memories! I remember flying into Kai Tak in the late 90s, just as a typhoon was brewing. It was an amazing landing...I arrived, got settled into my hotel, then the next day the typhoon signal was hoisted. Yes, fond memories--but the new airport on Chek Lap Kok is no less than amazing, extremely well-planned. It's the only airport I've ever been to where I regret that my departing flight is on time... 👍🇭🇰

[@Dodilafir]

I have been to Kai Tak many times lots of nostalgia about that place. I like the new airport as well but always Kai Tak was my favourite.

[@caseyjonessnr1200]

In the early 70’s I flew (as a passenger) into and out of Kai Tak airport. It was always exciting. To look out of the port side window you could see the mountain towering above the aircraft.

[@callmebackfriday2]

I remembered say farewell to my uncle and aunt in Kai Tak Airport when they left HK to USA and Canada around the 60s.

[@jackfitzpatrick8173]

On my first visit to HK I was in a Pan Am 747. I didn't know *anything* about Kai Tak. As we got very close to the runway we made a very steep turn and I honestly thought we were gonna crash. After we leveled off I could see into the windows of apartments and I could even see that one or two had their TVs on. After clearing customs I was walking to a transit station and was able to get a picture of a bright orange Braniff 747 flying about 100 feet overhead. Kai Tak Heart Attack? Yup,I survived one!

[@johnlacey3857]

I loved Kai Tak. Sorry to see it go.

[@warrenjennimgs5285]

I remember all the local school children using the airport buildings to study in the evenings as there was not enough room at home in the buildings around the airport .

[@lawrencerose5558]

I flew in and out of there many times through the 1990s. Adding to the stress was the fact that we were usually at minimum fuel meaning you had one shot at landing before heading for your alternate . It was a challenge!

[@jbninjah1776]

Flew into this airport many times in the 70's always a thrill.

[@kvom01]

I flew to HK a couple of times in the mid 1990s. First landing was at night, which was pretty spectacular.

[@scottmoseley5122]

Also what was really awesome was being able to be on HK Central 15 minutes after leaving customs.

[@jenniferma1982]

We might not see the TV that people were watching...But I fondly remember seeing people's laundry hanging on the rooftops and all the big neon business signs when landing at Kai Tak when I was a kid. It was cool and scary at the same time, but we trusted the pilots. So grateful that I got to experience. Grateful for all the experienced pilots who maneuvered this airport. 🙏

[@wavecentral]

Flew into Kai Tak in the 80s a few times as a kid. I still remember it being the closest thing to flying down the Death Star trench in Star Wars.

[@aytw661]

I was on one of the last passenger flights to that airport, still remember going down the ramp at the arrival where there were lots of news cameras.

[@unreliablenarrator6649]

I used to live on College Road in Kowloon City under the flight path. The first landing flight of the day (Singapore Airlines) was my alarm clock. The day passenger flights moved to Check Lap Kok, I over-slept and was awakened by our office receptionist inquiring if I was taking the day off. It was past 10am, late even for HK offices in that day. Kowloon City in the 1990s was a neighborhood in constant change with the eviction and demolition of the Walled City, closing off Kai Tak and blossoming of Thai & Vietnamese enterprises. Thanks for the memories.

[@karenblaine7266]

My husband flew into Kai Tak regularly as a pilot. He’s flown into the new airport there but he says it lacks the charm of Kai Tak.

[@Docbob630]

I flew into Kai Tak in the late 80s and had a unique experience. We landed such that the plane was at the end of the peninsula and had to turn around and taxi back to the terminal. The taxiway was close to the edge of the water, and the wing and engine stuck out over the water. The captain gets on the intercom and tells us that this is a first for them. A local junk had run aground on the rocks of the peninsula and if we went down the taxiway the fear was that the force of the engines would blow the junk apart. We had to wait for a break in landing traffic so that we could use the active runway in the opposite direction to get to the terminal. Planes landing after us were already using the opposite side to get to the terminal. Just our luck that we were directed to the side where the junk just crashed. 20-25 minute delay but worth it to be able to say we were delayed due to a ship/ junk on the runway (actually taxiway)!

[@johngraves6878]

I remember flying into Kong Kong in 1988 as a passenger at night. It was the most terrifying approach to an airport I have ever experienced in any aircraft and it scared the bejeezus out of me. The jet seemed to be dipping and swinging through dangerous mountain passes or avoiding obstacles or something. LIke being on a rollercoaster! Yikes! When I flew back into Hong Kong in 2013, it was a completely different story.

[@alztcr]

Still remember the first and only time I landed in Hongkong way back in 1994 when I was only 9.. I remember the tall buildings dotting the landscape as we landed and the planes flying close overhead on the way to Kowloon Panda hotel.. Kai Tak, Ocean Park and the Panda hotel is what stuck to my mind to this day.. I really hope to revisit Hong Kong some day❤

[@peko7446]

I never experienced flying into Kai Tak airport, but I was regaled by an older colleague of his experience of it whilst visiting relatives in HK. The excitement and amazement on his face as he described what he saw during the landing made me want to visit HK just for that experience. Sadly, by the time I made my way to that part of the world, the old airport has seized operation and our plane landed on the new airport.

[@paulreilly3904]

Easily the most fun airport, loved flying in

[@jamesthompson3099]

I was in the cockpit of a commercial passenger 747-400 for one of our last flights into Kai Tak in the late 1990s. We all knew it was closing. One of our relief pilots was begging the captain to let her make the approach as she knew there would never be another chance to make this iconic landing. He refused. She was heart broken. I do remember looking out the right side of the cockpit window (I wasn't flying) and noticing you could see into the windows of the apartments as we flew past them. Not well enough to see what was on TV. When we got to the mark for the turn you could not see the runway as it was hidden behind a hill. You had to hope you had everything right or when you completed your turn you would find yourself out of position. The F/O called out that we were too high when we finally saw the runway but the captain elected to dive for it and slipped the aircraft in beautifully. It was an excellent landing. Our crews did have to have special training to fly in and out of Kai Tak. It was not your usual approach!

[@yingcluk]

I was at a window seat in the plane seeing people hanging their clothes on the root when approaching to land. I was amazed the plane might be 100 feet or less above those buildings rooftop & still admire the pilots skills.

[@mmurphyCHC]

Brings back fond memories of living in Hong Kong in the late 80s

[@geo77sand]

I was lucky enough to have used this airport on my very first time to visit HK in Dec 1995 with my wife during our honeymoon. That was the first time I met her extended family who lived in Laguna City (not far away). Too bad I didn't take photos of those plane landing so close.

[@jamesgathings6364]

I flew into Kai Tak quite frequently in the 90's , my wife at that time was a FA for Northwest Airlines , I had a spouse pass , Easy enough to ride along with her to Hong Kong . We would chat it up , late at night in the jump seats , and top the evening off with a wild ride through the " Canyons of Kowloon " , never was it boring

[@2butnot277]

This is a precious story. Fine presentation.

[@thediddymen1408]

Lucky enough to have landed and taken off from there on numerous occasions, Great experience and one that will never be forgotten...

[@TAMS1952]

Thank you very much for this video. I’ve flown in and out of Kai Tak 2 times, 1994 & 1995. First time was quite an experience, as only a couple of days beforehand a Lockheed-L-100-Hercules ended up in the drink on takeoff. I’d heard about how difficult Kai Tak was to land at, coming in low over the rooftops of the high rise buildings, but to see and experience it myself, is something I will never forget. A couple of days after arriving at Kai Tak, I went up on The Peak, where I could look out over the bay and watch the planes land and takeoff. Having spoken to a few people at The Peak, I discovered they were like me, it was something as a tourist that you had to do. You just had to marvel at the skill of the pilots.

[@andrewlorenz3139]

Night landing in 1987. Honeymoon in HK and then on to Bali. Seeing the people in their living rooms watching TV and going about their lives. I can say seeing the people was not an urban myth for me! Recreated the trip for our 25th anniversary. Both places had changed as you would no doubt appreciate.

[@hillierjoy2098]

as a retired flight attendant who landed many times into the old kai tak I can verify that you could indeed see people sitting in their living room or at their dining tables. It is not a fairy tale. Yes we were landing at approx 165mph but the windows on the B747 were perfectly large enough to get a quick look at "your" neighbours. just an incredible experience!!:-)

[@Golo1949]

Having landed there in 1995 I can confirm it is an unforgettable experience.

[@MrOoofah]

I flew on a KLM 747 from Amsterdam to Kai Tak in 1997. By far the most exciting approach of my life!

[@peterzander5615]

I have a friend worked as a captain on Cathay Pacific and will never forget when i was in cockpit and he land a fully loaded 747-400 on a windy day and heavy rain at Kai Tak. No one ever land at Kai Tak heart attack never forget.

[@Gazmeizster_Wongatron]

Many wonderful memories of landing into Kai Tak when I was a kid. The last two times in 1996 and 1998 were extra special because by then I was old enough to really appreciate how unique this approach was.

[@johnwells1015]

Flew the Kai Tak checkerboard approach quite a few times in a DC-10 Freighter.

[@keithmarriott1210]

Flew into Kai Tak many times in B767 and B747 as captain . The biggest issue was bad weather not the approach which wasn’t that difficult. By far and away most challenging approach was 13L at JFK via the Canarsie approach to what was effectively an 1800m odd runway with difficult weather conditions to deal with .

[@jonathanliu5205]

Love this video - well paced and very informative and engaging. Please do more! 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏💪💪💪

[@chintones56]

I remember flying into HK in 1967 and it blew my mind that the approach was so low over people’s homes. It was so low that I could swear that you could see people’s faces as you flew by the shanties hugging the hillsides.

[@bobp4]

I lived in Hong Kong 1983-85. I met a Cathay Pacific pilot and told him pilots must hate the airport and approach. He replied "no, we love it, it's our favourite airport. It's the only time you really get to fly a commercial airplane manually and use your skill as a pilot". BTW, you couldn't see TVs but you could count small laundry items drying on top of the buildings, no problem.

[@toddb930]

Thank you for putting together this brief history of Kai Tak airport. Even though I only travel to and through Hong Kong a few times in the late 80s and early 90s I have some lasting memories. While the rumor of being able to see what people are watching on television might be a stretch, I can tell you that you can easily see what kind of clothes are being dried outside on the balcony of the buildings you are flying in between. Then there was the time I was in the terminal waiting for a flight and a tremendous noise was coming from outside. I went over to a window and was able to watch a Concorde taking off. Wow!! I flew out of Kai Tak in 1988 shortly after the CAAC airlines accident occurred. The plane was still nose first in the water on the edge of the runway.

[@alfazeta8]

I loved Kai tak landings and take off

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for this great look at the memories of a great airport.

[@margaretroselle8610]

Fascinating documentary! I have always been in awe of this airport and the skill of the pilots who landed there; just amazing!