30-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong Sevens: Cathay fly-past evokes fond memories of Kai Tak Airport
Tens of thousands of people have witnessed a sensational flight show above Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, which evoked nostalgia as the city held the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament at the new Kai Tak Sports Park for the first time at the site of its old airport.
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There were contrasting reactions to the brief moment when Cathay flight CX8100 flew at an altitude of just 1,100 feet (335 metres) above the harbour and old runway. Many spectators inside the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium were unable see the plane except on a live-stream projected on a large screen and many booed their disapproval.
The plane was visible through the glass window of the South Stand, but most people were looking through the opened retractable rooftop.
However, outside the stadium, from both sides of the harbour or even on high ground, onlookers were excited, cheered and took out their smartphones and cameras to film and take pictures of the A350 aircraft.
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. Throughout the fly-past, it flew above the waters, avoiding buildings.
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Queenie Yip, 35, 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.
