CDF Hong Kong International Airport

The DUTY ZERO retail fit outs at Hong Kong International Airport was delivered under some of the most demanding conditions in airport retail. As project managers, our role was to lead the upgrade of eight retail stores - totalling approximately 3,400m² - within a live terminal that operates at one of the highest passenger densities in the world.
All construction work was restricted to a tight overnight window, commencing after midnight and requiring full reinstatement by 6am daily. This structure shaped every aspect of planning and delivery. Multiple work zones ran concurrently, programmes were accelerated beyond typical fast-track schedules, and every activity had to meet the airport authority’s strict safety, security, and operational protocols.
A deep understanding of traveller behaviour was essential. Passenger flow, trolley movements, luggage patterns, sightlines, and dwell times were mapped to ensure the design supported the realities of airport retail - where circulation, visibility, and intuitive wayfinding directly influence both experience and commercial performance.
The project demanded meticulous coordination, disciplined sequencing, and rapid decision-making across night-shift operations. Daily handovers, precise logistics, and stringent compliance processes ensured the terminal reopened safely and seamlessly each morning without affecting airport operations.
Despite the constraints, this complex project was delivered smoothly and to a high standard, strengthening CDFG’s presence as a major anchor within HKIA and elevating the overall duty-free experience for one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.