Airport crowded as travelers head out to celebrate Christmas break

As Christmas nears, primary and secondary schools have commenced their holiday break. On Sunday, Hong Kong International Airport was teeming with travelers eager to embark on their festive journeys abroad.

This morning, numerous families were observed at the airport, with many heading to popular tourist destinations such as Japan and Thailand. Long lines were visible at the check-in counters for these flights, prompting travelers to arrive early.

Several travelers voiced concerns about the congestion. One traveler, who had a flight scheduled for 1 pm, expressed worry about the crowds and opted to arrive at the airport by 8 am.

They also noted a noticeable increase in airport staff, especially at the self-service check-in counters.

Reflecting on the travel restrictions during the pandemic, some travelers shared that it had been years since their entire family had traveled together. They stated that this was a rare opportunity for them to travel as a group again, noting that the crowd was larger than expected.

Parents traveling to Japan with their children took two and a half days off to enjoy a nine-day trip, hoping for a "white Christmas" if it snows.

Meanwhile, a group of elderly travelers selected Thailand as their destination to enjoy meditation and leisure activities. They felt that Hong Kong lacked a festive atmosphere, particularly in the evenings, and found the idea of celebrating in a different locale more appealing.