Sha Tin Airfield

The airfield was decommissioned and demolished to make way for the massive land reclamation and urban development project that created the Sha Tin New Town. The land was repurposed for major public infrastructure, including the creation of the Shing Mun River channel, high-rise residential estates, the Sha Tin Racecourse, and public parks. The closure was driven by the pressing need for urban expansion in Hong Kong.

The site of the former airfield has been completely and irreversibly redeveloped. The exact location of the runway is now occupied by the wide, straight Shing Mun River Channel. The surrounding reclaimed land is now the heart of the densely populated Sha Tin New Town, featuring prominent landmarks such as the Sha Tin Racecourse (opened in 1978), Penfold Park, the Hong Kong Sports Institute, numerous residential complexes, and commercial centers. There are no visible remnants of the original airfield.

The airfield, officially known as RAF Shatin, was a military airstrip constructed by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1949. Its creation was a direct response to the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War and the perceived threat to the British colony of Hong Kong. It served as a forward operating base for the British Army, providing crucial reconnaissance and air support capabilities close to the border with mainland China during the Cold War. The airfield was primarily used by light aircraft, such as the Auster AOP.6 for observation, and early helicopters like the Westland Dragonfly. It was a vital part of Hong Kong's defense infrastructure, complementing the main airbase at RAF Kai Tak and the strip at Sek Kong. The unofficial ICAO code 'HK-0001' is not an official designation but is often used by flight simulator communities and unofficial databases to identify historical airfields.

None. The land has been fundamentally transformed into a major urban center and a man-made river channel. There is no physical space, strategic need, or any plan to re-establish an airfield at this location. The redevelopment is permanent.