https://www.scmp.com/rss/323660/feed Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on Hong Kong aviation, covering airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express and freighter Air Hong Kong and Hong Kong International Airport. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A 51-year-old cancer patient who collapsed on a Cathay Pacific Airways flight to Hong Kong from the United Kingdom was pronounced dead on Friday morning. Flight CX216 took off from Manchester and landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 6.52am on Friday, with police receiving a report about the man’s condition at 6.16am. The passenger, Shum Chung-lai, had suffered from pancreatic cancer since June last year. He emigrated to the UK in 2022 with his wife and two children but had to fly back to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3351228/man-dies-after-fainting-cathay-pacific-flight-uk-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3351228/man-dies-after-fainting-cathay-pacific-flight-uk-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:41:29 +0000 Kolette Lim Kolette Lim Hong Kong International Airport expects revenue to grow by up to 10 per cent this year despite disruptions from the Iran conflict, with its chief executive aiming to position it as an alternative hub to the Middle East. In a wide-ranging interview with the South China Morning Post on Thursday, Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Vivian Cheung Kar-fay said flights that had been cancelled due to the conflict – including those by flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways – were those that were “less... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351196/hong-kong-airports-revenue-expected-grow-10-despite-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351196/hong-kong-airports-revenue-expected-grow-10-despite-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:35:35 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm carried more passengers in March than a year ago, despite the impact of the US-Israel war against Iran. Cathay Group also said on Friday that it aimed to restore all flights after June. The company earlier announced it was cutting the number of Cathay Pacific flights by 2 per cent and HK Express services by 6 per cent between mid-May and the end of June. The group attributed the passenger growth to a spate of mega-events in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350510/cathay-pacific-hk-express-passenger-counts-despite-impact-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350510/cathay-pacific-hk-express-passenger-counts-despite-impact-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:19 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Greater Bay Airlines has suspended most of its flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok for more than four months amid surging fuel prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East. The airline’s website showed that as of 8pm on Thursday no flights were available between Hong Kong and Bangkok for most of the dates between May 12 and September 22. The carrier said it had adjusted its services due to rising fuel prices and apologised to affected travellers. “Due to the continued rise in fuel prices... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3350268/greater-bay-airlines-suspends-bangkok-flights-over-4-months-amid-fuel-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3350268/greater-bay-airlines-suspends-bangkok-flights-over-4-months-amid-fuel-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:08:11 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Passenger flight cuts triggered by surging fuel prices could temporarily affect Hong Kong’s status as a regional transit hub, aviation experts say, with the impact depending on how long the Middle East conflict lasts. Steven Cheung King-lung, chairman of the Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association, said on Monday that the city faced fierce competition not only from Singapore, but also from the wider Greater Bay Area, Japan and South Korea. “While Hong Kong is no more susceptible [to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3349860/impact-middle-east-war-hong-kongs-aviation-hub-status-relative-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3349860/impact-middle-east-war-hong-kongs-aviation-hub-status-relative-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:22:00 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong International Airport has been flying high for decades, winning numerous world titles for its services, facilities and efficiency. Another jewel in the crown is this year’s Global Travel Award for “Best Airport in the World”. It is a fitting tribute to an aviation hub that has consistently delivered top performance amid fierce regional and global competition. In an era where many airports strive to stand out with flashy new infrastructure, Hong Kong’s success stems from its enduring... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3349126/travellers-recognise-strengths-hong-kong-international-airport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3349126/travellers-recognise-strengths-hong-kong-international-airport?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong International Airport has been voted the world’s best airport, along with accolades recognising its security standards and facilities. An Airport Authority spokesman said on Wednesday that the city’s airport had been named “Best Airport in the World” at the Global Travel Awards this year. Organiser International Media & News Group, based in Britain, said the awards recognised the best hotels, airports, airlines and destinations based on votes cast by 2.5 million travellers from more... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348649/hong-kong-airport-named-worlds-best-global-travel-awards-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348649/hong-kong-airport-named-worlds-best-global-travel-awards-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:10:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The latest power-bank restriction on air travellers comes less than a month after a major nighttime crash and rescue drill at Hong Kong airport in which an airliner’s take-off was aborted after smoke was reported coming from a passenger’s power bank. But that was a simulation, involving more than 1,000 personnel plus hundreds of volunteers, aimed at optimising airport emergency response. There was therefore no connection with the ban imposed without warning by the Airport Authority on Saturday... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348409/restriction-power-banks-flights-should-not-have-come-surprise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348409/restriction-power-banks-flights-should-not-have-come-surprise?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:45:09 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Wynna Wong Jeffie Lam,Wynna Wong Greater Bay Airlines has become the latest Hong Kong-based carrier to raise its fuel surcharges by 34 per cent amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the fee for destinations other than mainland China set to hit HK$389 (US$50). China’s largest courier, SF Express, also said on Friday it would switch to adjusting its fuel surcharge rates from a monthly to a weekly basis beginning in April because of the “continuous and frequent fluctuations” of international oil prices. Global fuel... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348094/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-charges-34-joining-other-hong-kong-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348094/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-charges-34-joining-other-hong-kong-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:14:56 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Natalie Wong Lo Hoi-ying,Natalie Wong Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will increase its fuel surcharge for all flights by 34 per cent from April – the second increase in two weeks – citing “considerable pressure” as the war in the Middle East affects oil prices. The airline said on Thursday that considering the scale of recent surges in jet fuel prices, its fuel hedging measures were “insufficient” to mitigate and recover the cost. Fuel accounted for around 30 per cent of its operating costs last year, it said. From... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348004/cathay-increase-fuel-surcharge-all-flights-34-april?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348004/cathay-increase-fuel-surcharge-all-flights-34-april?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:34:06 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways plans to hire 3,000 employees globally this year, including pilots and flight attendants, to support its growth plan, with the airline expressing strong confidence in its future expansion potential. The carrier launched its global recruitment drive in Beijing on Saturday as part of efforts to attract more talent from mainland China to support its future development plans, including promoting inbound tourism. Currently, the company has more than... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346613/beijing-first-stop-cathay-launches-global-drive-hire-3000-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346613/beijing-first-stop-cathay-launches-global-drive-hire-3000-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:52:05 +0000 Lam Ka-sing,Harvey Kong Lam Ka-sing,Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities are coordinating with airlines to increase direct flight and transfer capacity, turning the challenges posed by the US-Israel war on Iran into opportunities, the transport minister has said. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Saturday that the ongoing Middle East turmoil had deeply disrupted global trade and aviation networks, underscoring the need for Hong Kong to reduce its reliance on traditional oil by expanding supply sources. “We can... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346588/hong-kong-boost-direct-flights-transfer-capacity-amid-middle-east-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346588/hong-kong-boost-direct-flights-transfer-capacity-amid-middle-east-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:51:32 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Cathay Pacific Airways posting a third consecutive year of profits was welcome proof the Hong Kong flag carrier has stayed the course to rebuild a solid foundation after pandemic turbulence. After emerging from those dark financial clouds, it must now nimbly navigate the next economic storm – an increasingly unpredictable era of global volatility. Net profit climbed 9.5 per cent to HK$10.82 billion (US$1.38 billion) in 2025, driven by the carrier’s 27 per cent surge in passenger numbers and a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346467/cathay-pacific-must-remain-vigilant-navigate-new-turbulence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346467/cathay-pacific-must-remain-vigilant-navigate-new-turbulence?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm HK Express will double their fuel surcharges next week, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East. The city’s flag carrier said on Thursday the increase would apply to tickets issued on March 18 or later. “The price of jet fuel has approximately doubled since March amid the latest developments in the Middle East,” Cathay said, citing the surge as the reason for the higher... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346338/cathay-pacific-nearly-double-fuel-surcharge-wednesday-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346338/cathay-pacific-nearly-double-fuel-surcharge-wednesday-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:49:40 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Cathay Pacific Airways’ net profit climbed by 9.5 per cent to HK$10.82 billion (US$1.39 billion) in 2025, driven by increased capacity and robust cargo demand, but the Hong Kong flag carrier has warned of higher fuel surcharges due to conflict in the Middle East, ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflated costs. Cathay Group chairman Patrick Healy said on Wednesday that the results marked the airline’s third consecutive year of profits. But he cautioned that global geopolitical tensions were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346177/cathay-posts-95-rise-profit-hk1082-billion-warns-geopolitical-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346177/cathay-posts-95-rise-profit-hk1082-billion-warns-geopolitical-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:45:46 +0000 Danny Mok,Oscar Liu Danny Mok,Oscar Liu As hundreds of Hongkongers stranded in the Middle East scramble for air tickets home with the US-Israel war on Iran entering its 10th day, a local couple spent nearly HK$50,000 (US$6,395) on a direct flight back after repeated failed booking attempts and a cancellation blunder caused by mental exhaustion. Yen Kwok, 35, a construction consultant, began a trip to Dubai with round-trip tickets on the carrier Emirates, from February 20 to March 1, with her husband. But like many other travellers,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346014/hong-kong-couples-hk50000-flight-dubai-after-biggest-blunder?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346014/hong-kong-couples-hk50000-flight-dubai-after-biggest-blunder?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:27:34 +0000 Oscar Liu,Vivian Au Oscar Liu,Vivian Au Hongkonger Shirley Sung finally returned home on Sunday after being stranded in Dubai for a week and making eight failed attempts to secure a flight, ultimately paying HK$11,000 (US$1,406) to escape the Middle East conflict via Kuala Lumpur. The 30-year-old solo traveller, who had flown to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a wedding, found herself in a tense situation as she witnessed missile interceptions and sought shelter in a hotel car park during Tehran’s retaliatory attacks amid US-Israel... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345899/hongkonger-forks-out-hk11000-flee-dubai-after-8-failed-attempts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345899/hongkonger-forks-out-hk11000-flee-dubai-after-8-failed-attempts?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:36:19 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial It says something about the motivation of travellers, for business or pleasure, that they are undeterred by geopolitical turbulence, even if it results in outbreaks of localised conflict that force a re-routing to safe flight corridors. But that reckons without conflict arising from a surprise attack that suddenly engulfs an entire region. The latest escalation of hostilities between Iran and its American and Israeli adversaries, involving warplanes and warships, missiles, torpedoes and drones,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345745/redouble-efforts-ensure-safety-hongkongers-stranded-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3345745/redouble-efforts-ensure-safety-hongkongers-stranded-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:45:07 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li The Hong Kong women’s football team made it home safely on Friday night after several anxious days stranded in Dubai following the US-Israel attacks on Iran, with members expressing relief at their return but disappointment about having to withdraw from a tournament. Twenty-seven players and staff landed in Hong Kong via Bangkok, where they had transited earlier in the week. One player flew from the Thai capital to Boston in the United States, while another is scheduled to leave Dubai for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345778/hong-kong-womens-football-team-happy-be-home-after-anxious-wait-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345778/hong-kong-womens-football-team-happy-be-home-after-anxious-wait-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:26:38 +0000 Ambrose Li,Connor Mycroft,Theodora Yu,Leopold Chen Ambrose Li,Connor Mycroft,Theodora Yu,Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities are trying to reserve seats for residents on weekend flights leaving Dubai, with some of those stranded in the Middle East having exhausted all options to secure tickets to get back home amid the escalating regional conflict. The government also said on Thursday that it had urged carrier Emirates to run more flights between Dubai and Hong Kong, as regional airspace remained largely closed. According to the government, Emirates plans to operate direct flights from Dubai to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345535/safe-air-corridors-enable-stranded-hongkongers-return-middle-east-amid-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345535/safe-air-corridors-enable-stranded-hongkongers-return-middle-east-amid-war?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:32:15 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong travellers rejoiced on Wednesday evening after arriving home safely on the first flight from Dubai to the city since US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted global air links. Emirates flight EK380 was the first to arrive after Dubai’s two airports resumed “limited” operations two days ago, landing at around 9.50pm. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were both closed on Saturday after the conflict broke out, with Iran retaliating by targeting US military bases... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345478/relief-joy-first-flight-back-dubai-brings-stranded-hongkongers-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345478/relief-joy-first-flight-back-dubai-brings-stranded-hongkongers-home?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:53:30 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft More than 400 Hongkongers have reported being stranded in the Middle East after major airspace closures triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted dozens of flights between the city and the region. There are no signs yet of when they might return home, even as major transit hubs including Dubai airports resumed limited operations. US President Donald Trump has said military operations could last for weeks amid retaliation from Iran. The Security Bureau maintained a “red” warning for Iran... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345283/what-hong-kong-travellers-stuck-middle-east-need-do-war-spirals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345283/what-hong-kong-travellers-stuck-middle-east-need-do-war-spirals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:03 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu The escalating conflict in the Middle East is set to drive up travel costs for Hong Kong passengers as many are forced to opt for more expensive direct routes to Europe, according to analysts. They said on Monday that the suspension of major transit hubs in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Doha in Qatar had left travellers scrambling for seats on direct flights or “conflict-free” paths to Europe, with surging demand set to trigger a spike in airfares. A check of Hong Kong flag carrier... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345146/middle-east-conflict-drive-airfares-hong-kong-travellers-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345146/middle-east-conflict-drive-airfares-hong-kong-travellers-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:15 +0000 Oscar Liu,Jeffie Lam,Lo Hoi-ying Oscar Liu,Jeffie Lam,Lo Hoi-ying US-Israeli strikes on Iran have grounded at least 47 flights between Hong Kong and the Middle East, with flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspending its Dubai services until Thursday and immigration authorities reporting 432 residents are stranded in the region. The Airport Authority said that as of 9pm on Monday, 14 passenger flights were cancelled and one was delayed, with at least 12 more axed for Tuesday. Cathay also announced on Monday that it would suspend its Riyadh flights until... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345067/cathay-pacific-halts-dubai-flights-until-thursday-amid-us-israeli-attack-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345067/cathay-pacific-halts-dubai-flights-until-thursday-amid-us-israeli-attack-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:41:29 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s public airmail services to 24 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia have been affected after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran forced flight cancellations to two Gulf states and disrupted transit journeys. A Hongkong Post spokesman said on Sunday evening that the department’s airmail services to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were suspended with immediate effect until further notice. “Airmail services transiting through these locations will also be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345053/hongkong-posts-airmail-services-24-countries-affected-strikes-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345053/hongkong-posts-airmail-services-24-countries-affected-strikes-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:45:39 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Passengers flying with Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways have criticised the flag carrier over its compensation and rebooking policies after flights to the Middle East were cancelled due to the joint United States-Israeli attack on Iran. Cathay Pacific said on Sunday evening that the airline adhered to international aviation standards and consumer protection regulations in the jurisdictions where it operated. “In cases of cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances outside Cathay’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345034/cathay-passengers-bemoan-refund-policies-us-israel-exchange-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345034/cathay-passengers-bemoan-refund-policies-us-israel-exchange-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:37:24 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial A date has been set for a new era of Hong Kong aviation history to take off. On May 27, the airport’s HK$141.5 billion (US$18.1 billion) three-runway expansion will wrap up with the full opening of its redeveloped second terminal. Completion of the decade-long project sends a powerful message to the world that the air transport hub has turned a page after years struggling with economic woes deepened by civil unrest and the pandemic. Hong Kong International Airport is back – and bigger, smarter... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3344110/hong-kong-airports-second-terminal-will-help-city-reach-new-heights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3344110/hong-kong-airports-second-terminal-will-help-city-reach-new-heights?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:45:16 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow A court has granted bail to an unemployed British national who was seen wrecking self-check-in kiosks at Hong Kong International Airport in a viral video this week. Youcef Bennoui, 35, was charged with criminal damage and possession of a Part 1 poison on Wednesday, after the video on social media showed him pushing over several self-check-in kiosks in the departure hall and repeatedly striking them with a stanchion. Bennoui was arrested on Monday morning and held in police custody. He was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343923/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-british-man-filmed-wrecking-airport-kiosks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343923/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-british-man-filmed-wrecking-airport-kiosks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:52:14 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong airport’s second terminal will fully open on May 27, authorities have announced, with the redeveloped facility set to serve as the base for 15 airlines. The terminal, which will mostly handle regional flights, is part of the airport’s HK$141.5 billion (US$18.1 billion) expansion project launched in 2016 that also included a third runway. Its coach hall opened in September. Fred Lam Tin-fuk, chairman of the Airport Authority, said on Tuesday that the first terminal, used mainly for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343786/hong-kong-airports-second-terminal-fully-open-serve-15-airlines-may-27?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343786/hong-kong-airports-second-terminal-fully-open-serve-15-airlines-may-27?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:31:30 +0000 Fiona Chow,Jess Ma Fiona Chow,Jess Ma A British national has been arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on suspicion of criminal damage and drug possession after a viral video showed him wrecking self-check-in kiosks. The video, posted on social media on Monday morning, showed a man in the airport’s departure hall pushing over several self-check-in kiosks and hitting them repeatedly with a stanchion. Police said the man had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a Part 1 poison. A source later... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343681/hong-kong-police-arrest-foreign-national-wrecking-airport-kiosks-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343681/hong-kong-police-arrest-foreign-national-wrecking-airport-kiosks-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:05:55 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong police have arrested a passenger for allegedly stealing HK$25,000 (US$3,200) in foreign currency from carry-on luggage on an inbound flight from Kuala Lumpur. Airport police said on Sunday that a male passenger had reported the previous day that his money had been stolen from his luggage stored in an overhead compartment. Authorities said a 35-year-old mainland Chinese man was arrested on suspicion of theft following preliminary investigations, and he remained in police... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343622/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-over-hk25000-flight-theft?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343622/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-over-hk25000-flight-theft?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:00:57 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hongkongers packed the airport and cross-border railway station on Saturday, with many opting to take a nine-day Lunar New Year break to destinations across the rest of Asia, as mainland Chinese visitors entered the city. Travellers, including families with children and elderly relatives, gathered at check-in counters at Hong Kong International Airport in the morning as the city marked Valentine’s Day and prepared to ring in the Year of the Horse. Long queues of hundreds of travellers could be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343565/savvy-hongkongers-book-9-day-lunar-new-year-break-festive-trips-across-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343565/savvy-hongkongers-book-9-day-lunar-new-year-break-festive-trips-across-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:32:14 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Firefighters evacuated 30 people at the Hong Kong airport after a fire broke out in a switch room near a boarding gate on Tuesday afternoon. The Fire Services Department said it received a report at 3.03pm about the emergency at Hong Kong International Airport. Two fire engines and two teams of firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus were called to the scene and had put out the flames in an apron switch room by 4.01pm, the department added. Thirty people were evacuated, according to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343071/30-people-evacuated-hong-kong-airport-after-fire-breaks-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343071/30-people-evacuated-hong-kong-airport-after-fire-breaks-out?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:53:37 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong The chief executive of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways has told staff that the airline expects to pay a higher profit-sharing bonus for 2025 than in the previous year, as the carrier posted stronger financial results and achieved a record customer satisfaction score. In a letter circulated to employees on Wednesday, CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said the company anticipated keeping payouts under its Profit Share Scheme “at a level slightly more than last year’s”, despite a larger workforce following... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342394/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-increase-profit-sharing-bonus-after-strong-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342394/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-increase-profit-sharing-bonus-after-strong-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:11:05 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma A Hong Kong-bound Cathay Pacific Airways flight had to return to Kaohsiung in Taiwan shortly after take-off on Sunday morning due to a technical problem, with around 200 passengers affected. A Cathay Pacific spokesman confirmed flight CX449 had turned back because of an unspecified “technical issue”. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their understanding and patience,” the spokesman said. Taiwanese media said on Sunday that a fuel leak in the plane’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341988/technical-issue-forces-hong-kong-bound-cathay-flight-return-kaohsiung?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341988/technical-issue-forces-hong-kong-bound-cathay-flight-return-kaohsiung?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 07:52:29 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A French aeronautics services company and a Hong Kong aviation engineering company signed a joint venture deal on Thursday to establish an aircraft dismantling and parts trading facility in the city, with operations targeted to begin within the year. But the project’s launch will hinge on the availability of a separate plot of land with barge and truck access. This site is required for recycling fuselages once the parts that can be traded have been removed, to avoid a bottleneck in the entire... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341728/hong-kong-firm-and-elior-group-ink-deal-set-aircraft-dismantling-centre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341728/hong-kong-firm-and-elior-group-ink-deal-set-aircraft-dismantling-centre?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:41:25 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm carried more than 36 million passengers in 2025, up 27 per cent from the previous year, on the back of growth in tourist numbers. Cathay Group said on Wednesday that the number of passengers handled by its premium carrier grew by 26.5 per cent to 28.87 million last year, while the figure for HK Express rose by 29.7 per cent to 7.91 million. The company said the growth in passenger numbers was related to a “significant expansion in passenger... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3340725/passenger-numbers-hong-kongs-cathay-go-sky-high-27-increase?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3340725/passenger-numbers-hong-kongs-cathay-go-sky-high-27-increase?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:11:39 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words I refer to the article, “HK airport sees decline in connectivity after pandemic” (January 5), which showed findings and figures from three years ago. It would be useful for us to share the latest status of connectivity at Hong Kong International Airport. Since 2023, HKIA has seen... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3339571/hong-kong-airport-has-recovered-well-pandemic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3339571/hong-kong-airport-has-recovered-well-pandemic?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jan 2026 03:30:09 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Thousands of passenger and cargo air taxis could be flying across Hong Kong within a decade as the low-altitude economy takes off, according to one of mainland China’s largest drone makers, which hopes to launch operations in the city. AutoFlight senior vice-president Kellen Tse told the Post the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer plans to significantly expand in Hong Kong, potentially paving the way for its international headquarters in the city. Backed by... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3339203/thousands-passenger-cargo-drones-will-fill-hong-kong-skies-decade-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3339203/thousands-passenger-cargo-drones-will-fill-hong-kong-skies-decade-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:30:11 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Air China has sold part of its stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$1.32 billion (US$167 million), but the Hong Kong carrier’s CEO has said the move will not affect the mainland airline’s role as a strategic shareholder. Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said on Tuesday that the sale of a 1.6 per cent stake in the company was a “tactical” move, as he unveiled events marking the carrier’s 80th anniversary. “I believe and understand that this is only tactical. Air China will remain our... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338869/air-chinas-hk132-billion-cathay-stake-sale-tactical-hong-kong-carrier-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338869/air-chinas-hk132-billion-cathay-stake-sale-tactical-hong-kong-carrier-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:06:38 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong ranked fourth in a university study on air transit connectivity at 16 aviation hubs across the Asia-Pacific in 2023. Researchers from the National Taiwan Ocean University’s transport science department also said Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou experienced declines in connectivity following the Covid-19 pandemic. The paper, published in the Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics in early December, assessed the competitive positions of 16 major hub airports in the region before and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338691/hong-kong-ranked-fourth-post-covid-air-transit-connectivity-asia-pacific?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338691/hong-kong-ranked-fourth-post-covid-air-transit-connectivity-asia-pacific?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:14:16 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Successful aviation centres need to foster a range of industries that support the growth of air travel and cargo shipment. As such, it has been exciting to see Hong Kong round out the year with progress on developing the business of retiring aircraft. The city is now home to a centre for training technicians in a range of skills, including how to dismantle planes and recycle their parts. The opening of the facility this month was hailed by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu as “a major... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3337704/plane-recycling-opens-new-horizons-hong-kong-aviation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3337704/plane-recycling-opens-new-horizons-hong-kong-aviation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Dec 2025 22:45:07 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen China’s state-owned planemaker intends to supersize its flagship jet through a partnership with a major domestic carrier to meet rising market demand for bigger narrowbody types, according to sources. The Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (Comac) signed an agreement with China Eastern Airlines last week to deepen cooperation, including on a stretched variant of the single-aisle C919 that would be able to seat at least 200 passengers, the Post has learned. The deal positions China Eastern, the... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337728/chinas-c919-maker-teams-china-eastern-bigger-variant-cards-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337728/chinas-c919-maker-teams-china-eastern-bigger-variant-cards-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Dec 2025 04:00:08 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways is investigating an incident in which one of its planes used a wrong taxiway in Manila, causing delays to two other flights, according to the airline. The airline said on Thursday it was cooperating with relevant authorities in an investigation into the incident involving flight CX918 from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Hong Kong on Wednesday. “During taxi for departure, the aircraft made incorrect use of a taxiway,” a spokesman... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3336953/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-investigates-wrong-taxiway-use-manila-airport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3336953/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-investigates-wrong-taxiway-use-manila-airport?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:02:36 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to turn the city into a leading Asian hub for aircraft recycling and parts trading, with a new locally based training centre set to offer four aviation technician courses next year. The Aircraft Engineering Training Centre was jointly launched on Thursday by the Airport Authority’s Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and French aeronautical services company the Elior Group, a subsidiary of the Derichebourg Group. Attending the launch ceremony, Chief Executive... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3336929/hong-kong-become-asias-leading-aircraft-recycling-hub-john-lee-vows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3336929/hong-kong-become-asias-leading-aircraft-recycling-hub-john-lee-vows?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:28:28 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A French aeronautical services company planning to set up Hong Kong’s first aircraft dismantling business has called on the government to support the new industry with measures such as tax breaks, as it launched its training programme for local technicians. The Elior Group, a subsidiary of the Derichebourg Group, expressed optimism that it would be able to secure the land required for aircraft dismantling, parts storage, processing and recycling in Hong Kong by the third quarter of next... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3336799/elior-group-begins-training-technicians-hong-kongs-aircraft-disassembly-industry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3336799/elior-group-begins-training-technicians-hong-kongs-aircraft-disassembly-industry?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:18 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong police have arrested a man for allegedly trying to open a plane cabin door during a Cathay Pacific Airways flight from Boston. The force said it received a report from the city’s flagship carrier at around 4.45am on Thursday about the incident. The plane landed at Hong Kong airport at around 5am, with police officers boarding the aircraft to arrest the suspect, a 20-year-old mainland Chinese man, for allegedly violating the Aviation Security Ordinance. The case has been classified as a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336102/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-over-trying-open-plane-door-cathay-flight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336102/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-over-trying-open-plane-door-cathay-flight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:58:05 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong has signed aviation agreements with seven countries – mostly in Latin America – to expand its global reach and make better use of the airport’s three-runway system, according to a senior official. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan on Tuesday revealed that the government had signed deals with the Latin American countries of Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and Cuba, along with Poland in Europe and Togo in West Africa, over the past two months. The new deals add to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3335729/hong-kong-signs-aviation-deals-7-countries-expand-global-network?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3335729/hong-kong-signs-aviation-deals-7-countries-expand-global-network?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:30:57 +0000 David Dodwell David Dodwell We should call it the “Neom factor”: the force that transforms reasonable aggressive ambition into hallucinogenic fantasyland. It glared out at me last week in a Financial Times headline: “Three ‘Heathrows’ of growth: the unstoppable rise of Middle East airports”. In short, Dubai, Istanbul, Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi in aggregate have airport expansion plans to lift passenger capacity almost threefold to around 750 million a year over the coming decades. In the words of Paul Griffiths, chief... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3335236/why-gulf-regions-dreams-aviation-domination-are-built-sand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3335236/why-gulf-regions-dreams-aviation-domination-are-built-sand?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:30:10 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Hongkonger Candy Wu Suk-fun has attended parent-teacher meetings of her two children with such regularity that other parents get the impression she is a full-time stay-at-home mother. But she is not. Wu is a captain with the city’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways. She became the airline’s first home-grown female captain in 2009 and continues to juggle her career and raising her daughters, aged 12 and 15, by being extremely conscientious with time management. “As a mother, it is challenging.... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3334001/trailblazing-female-captain-hong-kongs-cathay-juggles-flights-and-motherhood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3334001/trailblazing-female-captain-hong-kongs-cathay-juggles-flights-and-motherhood?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:00:19 +0000