Fast tracks: This diagram compares the existing and new aviation routes to be implemented this month.

Arrival routes for aircraft from the west and north of Hong Kong will be shortened by up to 210km or 14 minutes' flight time from October 22.

The Civil Aviation Department today said the move will benefit flights arriving from the Mainland, Southeast Asia and Europe, and cut more than 10 million kilometres, or 12,000 hours' flight time, from journeys annually.

With an average of 150 flights using the new routes daily, 8 million passengers will benefit annually. Airline operators will also benefit from less fuel consumption.