Hong Kong International Airport gradually resumed operations after Typhoon Ragasa, this year's most powerful tropical cyclone, grounded nearly 1,000 flights and stranded approximately 140,000 travelers.
In response to the anticipated surge of travelers, the in-town check-in and baggage drop-off service began at 6am, with additional trains running on the Airport Express Line between Hong Kong Station and the airport to accommodate passengers.
Long queues formed in terminal halls as travelers rushed to rearrange their journeys this morning, with information screens displaying departing flights from Hong Kong. However, around 20 flights were still canceled.
According to the Airport Authority, the flight schedules for Thursday (Sep 25) will continue into the late night, with expectations of over 1,000 flights operating throughout the day.
Authorities also advised passengers to confirm their bookings with airlines and complete online check-in before arriving at the airport.
Cathay Pacific, which canceled over 500 flights due to the storm, stated it will take one to two days to gradually restore operations.
While recovery is smoothly underway, the airline highlighted that air traffic control measures at the airport could result in delays for some flights.
Mixed traveler experiences
The disruption led to varied experiences among travelers. Wu, who encountered a typhoon while traveling for the first time, shared that her family felt a bit worried, but the travel agency arranged everything, from meals to flights.
Another traveler, Pang, expressed concern that she and her companion would have to leave on separate flights due to the limited number of available seats.
"If the flights can't take off, we have to find hotels and food ourselves since we're unfamiliar with the area," Pang noted.
A more "humanized" service
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan acknowledged the busy situation at the airport this morning, affirming that the staff were prepared to clear the backlog efficiently while ensuring order.
Chan added that the authorities are introducing new measures, including distributing cotton candy and popcorn, to make the travel experience more humane, aiming to enhance the atmosphere beyond just flight operations.
