[5] Before the opening of Macau airport, the nearest international airport was Kai Tak in British Hong Kong and passengers from Macau had to take a ferry to Hong Kong in order to fly out of Kai Tak.

[6] The Macau airport was constructed on reclaimed land adjacent to the islands of Taipa and Coloane.

The company's chairman stated in November 1997 that he wanted to end the link but that he faced opposition from the Portuguese government, which owned the airline.

As in Hong Kong, Macau has its own immigration policies and is a separate customs territory from mainland China.

All travellers, including those to mainland China and Hong Kong, need to go through the immigration and customs inspections of international flights.

The airport's runway was built on a strip of reclaimed land in the sea, adjacent to Taipa Island where the main terminal and air traffic control facilities are located, unlike in Hong Kong, where Chek Lap Kok has them all on a reclaimed island.

Despite its small area, the airport is capable of handling Boeing 747s and Antonov 124s, which forms a vital freight link between local manufacturers and overseas markets.

[17] The airport is connected by public transit bus routes, light rail, taxis, private cars, and regional coach services.