Tens of thousands of people have witnessed a sensational fly-past above Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, which evoked nostalgia as the city held the Sevens rugby tournament at the new Kai Tak Sports Park for the first time at the site of its old airport. There were contrasting reactions to the brief moment when Cathay flight CX8100 flew at an altitude of just 1,100 feet (335 metres) above the harbour and near the old runway on Sunday. Many spectators inside the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium did not see the plane except on a large LED screen, as they had been told to look through the open roof rather than through the window of the South Stand, where the aircraft could be seen. Many booed their disapproval. However, outside the stadium, from both sides of the harbour and on high ground, onlookers cheered enthusiastically and took out their smartphones and cameras to film and take pictures of the aircraft. The plane took off from Hong Kong International Airport at 4.07pm via Victoria Harbour to the east of Hong Kong before returning and landing at 4.38pm. Throughout the fly-past, it flew above the waters, avoiding buildings. Queenie Yip, 35, who works in the entertainment industry, said she was thrilled to see the plane go past Kai Tak, as it was a part of her fond childhood memories. “When I was a child, I lived with my aunt in Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate for a while. I remember those frequent aeroplane sounds so well. As a child, the planes seemed huge, like I could touch them just by sticking my hand out the window,” Yip recalled. “While I’m here to watch the game today, I also hope to see that plane fly by over the stadium though it wasn’t as low as I remember.” Marketing officer Cheng Tak-Cheung, 48, said he missed the flyover as he thought the plane would go above the stadium. “I couldn’t see it from my seat, possibly due to my location. I did consider going out to try and see it, but the Hong Kong team’s match was in full swing, and I chose to stay in the stadium rather than miss the game to see the plane,” Cheung said. The Post spoke to 10 spectators at the stadium and no one knew about the fly-past until they saw it on the LED live-stream. Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce CEO Patrick Yeung Wai-tim, who was among those watching the flyby outside the stadium, said it was invigorating seeing the plane so close to the original Kai Tak Airport. “Seeing this would definitely bring up memories of the Kai Tak Airport, [which] is an important part of the Hong Kong people and Hong Kong’s economic development,” he said. “Especially those of us at a certain age, who have seen the airport’s development over the years, with Cathay also preparing to celebrate its 80th birthday next year.” Yeung, who used to work for flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways, said he had two special memories related to the former airport, which were seeing planes flying low over Kowloon City while coming in to land and eating at the staff canteen with his former colleagues. Human resources manager Lilane Tan, who waited for the fly-past outside the stadium, said she felt that it was too short. “It happened too quickly and the weather was gloomy and some buildings were blocking my view of the plane,” she said. Tan correctly guessed she would not be able to spot the plane from inside the stadium, deciding to step outside. “It was a little disappointing, it could have flown past again.” Kai Tak Sports Park was built on land previously occupied by the former Kai Tak Airport, with the tip of the runway turned into Kai Tak Cruise Terminal for ships. This year marked the centenary anniversary of the former airport, whose operations were relocated to Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island in 1998. The former airport remains part of the collective memory of Hongkongers, with many still recalling being on board flights that descended towards densely populated Kowloon City before landing. Passengers then could literally peer into the homes of local residents to see what they were doing in their buildings. Such flights also involved one of the world’s most dramatic landings, as aircraft had to make a 47 degree turn then quickly drop in for a final approach due to the area’s mountainous geography. Internet users, especially photography fans, avidly discussed the fly-past on social media, considering everything from the weather to the best vantage points for viewing the plane.