Hong Kong International Airport is preparing for significant flight reductions starting Tuesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches the Asian financial hub. The strong storm has prompted airport authorities and airlines to implement extensive measures to ensure safety and minimize disruption.
All flights are expected to be halted from 6 p.m. local time on September 23 until 6 a.m. on September 25. This decision reflects the severity of the incoming typhoon, which is anticipated to be one of the strongest to hit the region in years.
Key Takeaways
- Hong Kong International Airport to halt all flights from Tuesday evening.
- Operations will pause from 6 p.m. on September 23 until 6 a.m. on September 25.
- Super Typhoon Ragasa is equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.
- Cathay Pacific plans to cancel over 500 flights.
- Measures aim to prevent passenger strandings seen in past typhoons.
Flight Operations Impacted by Super Typhoon Ragasa
Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed on Monday that while the airport facility will remain open, a substantial reduction in flight numbers is necessary. This proactive approach aims to manage the severe weather conditions expected from Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., Hong Kong's primary carrier, announced that more than 500 flights will be canceled. The airline expects to resume operations gradually during Thursday daytime, depending on weather improvements. Travelers affected by these cancellations are advised to check their flight status regularly.
Typhoon Strength
The Hong Kong Observatory reports that Super Typhoon Ragasa has intensified, carrying sustained winds of 143 miles (230 kilometers) per hour near its core. This wind speed is equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, indicating an extremely dangerous storm.
Airport Preparations and Passenger Measures
The Airport Authority Hong Kong stated that it has "commenced preparations for the typhoon, covering areas such as apron safety, flight operations, passenger care, ground transportation services between the airport and the city and staff rest areas." These preparations are critical for protecting infrastructure and ensuring the safety of personnel and any remaining passengers.
To assist travelers, Cathay Pacific has waived ticket change fees. This allows passengers to reschedule their trips without additional cost. Other local airlines have also implemented similar waivers for travel scheduled between September 23 and 25, providing flexibility for those impacted by the storm.
Wing Yeung, director of service delivery at Airport Authority Hong Kong, stated during a briefing, "While the airport will remain open, there will be a large reduction in the number of flights."
Avoiding Past Disruptions
The decision to limit flights aims to prevent a repeat of incidents like Typhoon Koinu in October 2023. During that event, over 10,000 travelers were stranded overnight at the airport after authorities were caught off guard by the storm's rapid escalation. Learning from this experience, officials are taking stricter measures this time.
Historical Context of Typhoons
- September 2023: Super Typhoon Saola, one of Hong Kong's strongest storms, halted all flight operations for 20 hours.
- July 2025: Storm Wipha caused most airport services to pause for 13 hours.
These past events highlight the recurring challenge typhoons pose to Hong Kong's aviation sector and urban infrastructure.
Economic and Operational Implications
Hong Kong International Airport typically handles an average of 1,100 flights and 190,000 passengers daily. In the 12 months leading up to August, the airport served 58 million travelers. The current shutdown underscores the significant risks Ragasa poses to the city's densely populated 7.5 million residents and its economy.
Cathay Pacific, which accounts for 45% of flights at Hong Kong International Airport, faces a particularly large impact from these cancellations. The airline's operational adjustments are crucial for managing the disruption.
Airlines are currently planning to reschedule long-haul flights to mitigate disruptions. Short-haul services departing on Tuesday may not return immediately, according to sources familiar with the matter. Aircraft not in use will be flown out of Hong Kong to prevent damage from debris.
A limited number of cargo flights could potentially resume late Wednesday, though no final decision has been made. This phased resumption would depend on the storm's trajectory and intensity after it passes Hong Kong.
Typhoon Ragasa's Path and Regional Impact
As of Monday morning, Super Typhoon Ragasa, a Filipino word meaning rapid or fast motion, was located in the Luzon Strait, approximately 1,100 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong. Its current path is predicted to bring it directly towards Hong Kong, with an anticipated landfall sometime Wednesday over Guangdong province, according to the observatory.
The storm has already caused significant disruption in the Philippines. Government work and classes in metropolitan Manila and nearly 30 provinces were suspended on Monday due to forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds. The wide-ranging impact highlights the broad regional threat posed by such powerful weather systems.
Authorities across the region are continuing to monitor Ragasa's movement closely. Public safety remains the top priority as communities prepare for potential flooding, strong winds, and other hazards associated with the super typhoon.
