Storm disrupts air travel with 100 flights cancelled at HK airport

The Hong Kong Airport Authority announced that approximately 100 flights were cancelled on Monday due to impacts from Severe Tropical Storm Tapah, with a further nine flights diverted to other destinations. Some additional flights also experienced delays throughout the day.

Despite the disruptions, the majority of the day’s scheduled 800 flights operated as planned. The Authority expects normal flight operations to resume within the next two days as the storm moves away from the region.

During the storm, around 40 flights carrying an estimated 8,000 passengers arrived at Hong Kong International Airport, said the Authority.

To manage the influx of travelers, the Immigration Department and Customs increased staffing levels. Airport Express services were also extended, with two additional trains running until 1.30am to facilitate passenger movement.

The Authority noted that after the last train departed, approximately 200 passengers remained waiting for taxis. The Authority activated an electronic taxi dispatch system to manage demand, and by 4am, most passengers had left the airport.

Several airlines reported operational adjustments. Cathay Pacific cancelled 10 round-trip flights in compliance with air traffic control measures, in addition to some delays and diversions, and notified affected passengers.

Hong Kong Airlines cancelled one flight, while HK Express cancelled five round-trip flights and Greater Bay Airlines cancelled two flights, with both carriers also reporting some delays.

(Marco Lam)