Cathay Pacific Cancels All Flights for 36 Hours Amid Typhoon Ragasa

dailyblitz.de 3 hours ago

HONG KONG— Cathay Pacific (CX) will suspend all flights to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) for 36 hours as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches the city. The airline is also relocating part of its fleet to avoid storm damage.

Operations at HKG will begin winding down on Tuesday afternoon, with a full suspension starting at 6 p.m. on September 23. Flights are scheduled to resume at 6 a.m. on September 25, depending on weather conditions.

Cathay Pacific Cancels Flights Amid Typhoon

The Hong Kong Observatory forecasts Ragasa to pass closest to the Pearl River Estuary on Wednesday morning, prompting the highest storm warning signal.

This level of alert typically shuts down much of the city, including transportation links, until the typhoon moves away.

Cathay Pacific has emphasized passenger safety, announcing a travel waiver that allows cancellations or changes without penalty. Travelers are urged to manage their bookings through the airline’s website or mobile app due to high call center demand.

In addition, the in-town check-in counters at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations will remain closed during the suspension period, PYOK reported.

Precautions by Cathay Pacific and the Airport

To safeguard assets, Cathay Pacific is repositioning some aircraft outside Hong Kong. This measure reduces the risk of damage from debris, a common hazard during typhoons.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), while remaining technically open, anticipates major operational disruption.

All three runways are expected to stay available, but flight activity will pause once the storm intensifies. Terminal facilities will stay open, providing shelter and basic support for stranded passengers.

Passenger Support Measures at HKG

Authorities at HKG are preparing rest areas with bottled water, snacks, and charging stations to assist passengers forced to stay overnight.

Select restaurants and retail outlets will continue operating during the storm, ensuring access to essentials.

Despite these measures, airport authorities caution that services will be limited and advise travelers to avoid unnecessary trips to the airport until flights resume.