With three huge runways, more than 1,100 flights every single day, and some 53 million travellers passing through annually - this mega airport is an impressive sight. Located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, International Airport has held the Guinness World Record for the most expensive airport since its opening in July 1998.

Construction took seven whole years to complete and is said to have cost a staggering £12 billion. The ambitious programme formally commenced after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between British Prime Minister and Chinese Premier Li Peng - despite concerns over the impact oit would have on Hong Kong's financial reserve.

The hefty bill wasn't just for the airport terminal building, which happens to be the longest in the at 1.3km long, but was actually due to infrastructure improvements such as 'reclaiming the 3,000-acre island on which it is built'. "Other expensive engineering projects included building an adjacent town for 260,000 inhabitants, four underground tunnels, a six-lane highway a 31 km (20 mile) railway and five bridges," states the .

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Previously an important site for defence against pirates, Tung Chung was transformed from a rural fishing village to a tourist-filled city as part of the Airport Core Programme. It's now a popular neighbourhood with a growing population of 116,000 - and is even home to a Disneyland Theme Park which attracts tourists from around the globe.

"[But] Tung Chung is more than just 'that place next to the airport/Disneyland' as it is also home to a bustling mall, high-quality restaurants, and hiking trails," explains . "So, whether you're a day-tripper or simply passing by because you're in the area, Tung Chung has got you covered."

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Now, fresh plans to developed the area between the airport and Tung Chung have been announced. Hong Kong International says its new 'Airport City' will 'drive the economic development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area'. It is slated to be complete between 2026 to 2031, but exact costs have yet to be confirmed.

Fred Lam from the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) dubbed the airport a 'leading international aviation hub in Asia'. He reportedly added: "We are in a position to press full steam ahead with innovative projects in different market segments. The expansion of the development blueprint will focus on leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages and creating synergy among various projects to transform the Airport City into a new landmark of Asia. It will be a distinct tourist hotspot for visitors from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and all over the world, especially premium visitors, injecting impetus into the economic growth of the region."

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