🇭🇰 Shek Kong Air Base

Shek Kong Air Base (VHSK) is a military airfield located in Shek Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong.

Type of Facility and Operations: Currently, Shek Kong Air Base serves as the sole airbase for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in Hong Kong, operating under the Southern Theater Command Air Force. It primarily houses helicopter units, specifically the PLAAF Helicopter Regiment 39968, which operates HAMC Harbin Z-9B utility helicopters for training, search-and-rescue, and defense duties. The base also maintains a dual-use arrangement, allowing restricted civilian access to members of the Hong Kong Aviation Club for private aircraft operations and flight training during weekends. The runway has specific "H" markings for helicopter landings.

Notable Features and History: Construction of the airfield began in 1938, but was delayed by the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II, finally completing in 1950. Prior to the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China, it was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station known as RAF Sek Kong, used by the British Forces Overseas Hong Kong. From 1989 to 1993, RAF Sek Kong also served as a Vietnamese Refugee Detention Centre, housing up to 9,000 refugees at its peak in 1992. During this period, half of the runway was closed and used for temporary housing, limiting operations to rotary aircraft until its restoration in 1995. British Army helicopter squadrons, such as No. 660 Squadron AAC, also operated from the airfield for reconnaissance and troop-lifting roles. The Hong Kong Aviation Club moved most of its aircraft to Shek Kong in 1994. The airfield features one concrete/asphalt runway, designated 11/29, which is 1,905 meters (6,250 ft) long.

Current Status: Shek Kong Air Base (ICAO: VHSK) remains an active military airbase for the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Its civilian access for recreational flying and training by the Hong Kong Aviation Club continues on weekends.