Coronavirus: airport loophole could expose Hongkongers to risk of Covid-19 infection, expert warns

Aircrew on turnaround flights not required to take pre-departure test before travelling to Hong Kong

Officials discussing tightening handling procedures on cargo flights after 50-year-old airport worker was infected

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Staff subject to compulsory Covid-19 testing queue at a mobile sample collection station at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 7:23pm, 15 Jul 2021Updated: 11:09pm, 15 Jul 2021

Aircrew who remain on a plane before flying back on the same flight are exempt from pre-departure Covid-19 testing, the Post has learned, and experts warned the loophole could expose local airport workers to the risk of infection.

Health authorities, meanwhile, told the Post on Thursday there were discussions over tightening handling procedures on cargo flights, days after a 50-year-old airport porter was confirmed with the coronavirus.

Officials suspect the porter was infected by an undiagnosed crew member after he spent several hours on a cargo plane that had arrived from Moscow alongside people who did not get off the aircraft.

While foreign aircrew are required to undergo a pre-departure virus test if they are coming from countries with a high-risk Covid-19 level or above, a source told the Post those who fly to Hong Kong and stay on the plane before returning to their country of origin, do not have to be tested.

There are also no regulations in place to manage contact between aircrew and Hong Kong-based airport staff, who, for example, typically help clean the plane or are involved in catering.