Kai Tak in Hong Kong was once the world's most daunting airport for even the most experienced pilots. A concrete runway sandwiched between towering skyscrapers, mountains and Victoria Harbour.
For 73 heart-stopping years, millions of passengers gripped their armrests as they descended into notoriety. Aircraft skimmed past apartment blocks so close that you could almost see what was being cooked in people's woks.
During the infamous 'Hong Kong Turn', captains had to manually swerve 47 degrees to the right at the very last moment, directing their jumbo jets straight towards a massive red-and-white checkerboard painted on a hill. The landing was so challenging that pilots had to undergo specific training to ensure they could land without mishap - one wrong move and the consequences were unthinkable.
Footage from the time shows 747s wrestling with crosswinds, wings tilting over bustling streets, wheels hitting the runway with a thunderous force that ended in the harbour. It's no surprise that the airport earned the dreaded nickname of 'Kai Tak Heart Attack'.
Locals living under the approach path recall having to halt conversations as engines thundered overhead. Washing was torn from balconies, reports the Mirror.
Ceiling fans shook. On stormy days, the entire city held its breath. Kai Tak was a vital hub for airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, playing a significant role in Hong Kong's economic landscape. However, the airport's limited space left no room for expansion, and noise pollution was a significant issue for nearby residents.
Despite a night-time curfew being implemented to minimise disruption, the Hong Kong authorities ultimately decided to build a new airport at Chek Lap Kok, located on an isolated island off Lantau. When the airport finally shut its doors 25 years ago on 6 July 1998, crowds gathered along the waterfront to witness the final take-off.
Despite its fearsome reputation, Kai Tak - also known as Hong Kong International Airport - inspired awe. It represented the pinnacle of commercial aviation expertise, with only the most skilled pilots able to navigate it.
Today, the site of the world's most daunting airport has undergone such a dramatic transformation that it's hard to believe it's the same place. Kai Tak is now far removed from the roar of engines and daring landings, and instead stands as a shining district at the heart of Hong Kong's massive harbourfront regeneration project.
The old runway has been reincarnated as the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a futuristic, wave-shaped complex designed by the architect behind London's Gherkin. Instead of 747s, the harbour now welcomes floating cities with enormous cruise liners carrying thousands of tourists.
What was once the edge of the runway is now a tranquil public park with panoramic sea views, where joggers, families and couples saunter in the very spot where aeroplanes once touched down.
Surrounding it, luxury apartments, shopping districts, sports arenas and hotels are emerging as Kai Tak morphs into one of Hong Kong's most sought-after new neighbourhoods. The area is vibrant, contemporary and undeniably chic.
However, for those who recall the old days, it will forever be marked by the thunderous roar of engines and the heart-stopping drama of that notorious final turn. Kai Tak may no longer instil fear in flyers, but its legend unquestionably endures.