https://www.scmp.com/rss/330113/feed Hong Kong Airlines was founded in 2007. It offers passenger and cargo services. It is the third biggest carrier based in Hong Kong. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities have approved 820 additional flights and fast-tracked 4,100 adjustment applications to help airlines respond to sudden surges in passenger and cargo demand amid the Middle East war. “We are actively engaging airlines to encourage them to deploy extra cargo capacity to connect Hong Kong International Airport with destinations currently experiencing service shortfalls due to the Middle East situation,” Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan told the Legislative... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3354192/hong-kong-adds-820-extra-flights-ease-disruption-middle-east-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3354192/hong-kong-adds-820-extra-flights-ease-disruption-middle-east-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 May 2026 06:01:35 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong airport’s Terminal 2 will reopen later this month, with several airlines to relocate their check-in operations from Terminal 1 as part of expansion plans linked to the three-runway system. The phased move, starting on May 27, will mainly involve regional and low-cost carriers, including HK Express and AirAsia group airlines. Terminal 2 was reconfigured under the airport’s three-runway system project. Here is what travellers need to know. 1. Which airlines are moving to Terminal 2? The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353809/what-do-travellers-need-know-when-hong-kong-airports-terminal-2-opens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353809/what-do-travellers-need-know-when-hong-kong-airports-terminal-2-opens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 09:29:04 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Hong Kong is counting down to the “milestone” launch of the reconfigured second terminal at the airport on May 27, which will feature technology-led services to ease bottlenecks, the city’s transport minister has said. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Saturday that Terminal 2 was ready to serve travellers, highlighting new technologies that would streamline departures. The managing Airport Authority expects the revamped terminal to handle about 8 million passenger trips... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353804/tech-features-hong-kongs-terminal-2-enable-efficient-departures-transport-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353804/tech-features-hong-kongs-terminal-2-enable-efficient-departures-transport-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 06:52:38 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will move forward its boarding gate closure times by five minutes and will start boarding passengers five minutes earlier to help ensure on-time departures. The airline said on Thursday that, from June 1, its boarding gates at Hong Kong International Airport would close 15 minutes before departure. The carrier’s boarding time will also be brought forward by five minutes. Cathay explained that late-arriving or no-show passengers were a key cause of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353538/cathay-pacific-shortens-hong-kong-boarding-gate-closure-times-5-minutes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353538/cathay-pacific-shortens-hong-kong-boarding-gate-closure-times-5-minutes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 May 2026 07:36:39 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Budget carrier HK Express will cut its fuel surcharge on flights departing Hong Kong to overseas destinations by 12.8 per cent from May 16, reducing the fee by HK$50 (US$6.38) to HK$339 per leg, the airline has said. The reduction, revealed on its website on Wednesday, excludes mainland China routes, and follows lower fuel prices amid the Middle East war. The budget carrier of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways also said the surcharge for inbound medium-haul journeys, such as those departing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353443/hk-express-cuts-surcharge-128-fuel-prices-ease-amid-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353443/hk-express-cuts-surcharge-128-fuel-prices-ease-amid-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 10:30:49 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Hong Kong traveller Mr Lau is among those turning to high-speed rail trips or flights to mainland China after being deterred from international air travel by rising costs, particularly fuel surcharges, as war in the Middle East rages. The 34-year-old, who was travelling to neighbouring Guangzhou with his wife for a three-day trip on a high-speed train on Friday, said he had done some calculations since airlines’ fuel surcharges rose, noting that a return train trip between the two cities cost... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349064/hong-kong-tourists-choose-safety-affordability-trips-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349064/hong-kong-tourists-choose-safety-affordability-trips-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:32:30 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong,Theodora Yu Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong,Theodora Yu More than 685,000 residents left Hong Kong as the Easter break got under way on Friday, even as some said ongoing geopolitical tensions had made them more cautious about drawing up future travel plans. An industry leader noted that more Hongkongers had chosen to travel to mainland China, with the ongoing war in the Middle East disrupting air traffic and prompting local airlines to raise fuel surcharges. Immigration statistics for Friday showed that 685,149 residents had left Hong Kong as of 9pm,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348874/hongkongers-opt-mainland-chinese-tours-during-easter-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348874/hongkongers-opt-mainland-chinese-tours-during-easter-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:58:57 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Air passengers departing from Hong Kong have said they were unaware of a new rule limiting the number of power banks they can carry to two, with few reminder signs visible at the airport on the first day of its enforcement on Sunday. The concerns were raised after Hong Kong International Airport announced on Saturday night that departing passengers were restricted to carrying no more than two power banks each on flights. Citing new regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348275/hong-kong-passengers-caught-guard-new-airport-limit-2-power-banks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348275/hong-kong-passengers-caught-guard-new-airport-limit-2-power-banks?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:24:51 +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 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Surging jet fuel prices amid the US-Israel war on Iran are pushing global airlines including Chinese carriers to raise fares, with an industry leader warning that prices could rise by up to 9 per cent if the energy crisis continues. China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and at least two private Chinese carriers are among a growing list of global airlines that have raised fares since US-Israeli strikes on Iran started on February 28. Global airfares could rise by 8 to 9 per cent if fuel... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347330/airfares-rise-china-and-beyond-amid-gulf-oil-shock-9-increases-feared?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347330/airfares-rise-china-and-beyond-amid-gulf-oil-shock-9-increases-feared?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:00:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The fallout from the American-Israeli war against Iran is worsening as the world economy faces mounting inflationary pressure caused by energy supply disruption. Export-driven economies in Asia are especially exposed and need to take immediate measures to counter the impact of supply shortages. Hong Kong has, to an extent, been shielded by the enormous Chinese economy, but it is not entirely immune. Some local industry insiders have warned that rising fuel prices may have to be passed on to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346485/hong-kong-should-work-ensure-steady-fuel-supply-amid-war-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346485/hong-kong-should-work-ensure-steady-fuel-supply-amid-war-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 23:15:09 +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 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Greater Bay Airlines will more than double its fuel surcharge on certain routes starting next week, becoming the last Hong Kong passenger carrier to raise prices as war rages in the Middle East. The airline announced on Friday it would raise prices due to “surging fuel costs”, with the change taking effect on March 18. The surcharge on the carrier’s flights originating from Hong Kong for all destinations except mainland China and the Maldives will increase by 104 per cent, from HK$142 (US$18) to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346454/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-joining-hong-kong-rivals-costs-soar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346454/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-joining-hong-kong-rivals-costs-soar?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:18:47 +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 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong Airlines will raise its fuel surcharges by up to 35.2 per cent from Thursday amid soaring oil prices driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East, becoming the first local carrier to do so. The airline announced on its website on Tuesday that fuel surcharges on tickets issued on or after March 12 would increase. Travellers on flights between Hong Kong and the Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal will face the sharpest increases, with charges rising 35.2 per cent from HK$284 (US$36) to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346054/hong-kong-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-35-amid-oil-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346054/hong-kong-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-35-amid-oil-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:35:33 +0000 Wynna Wong,Jess Ma Wynna Wong,Jess Ma Airfares from Hong Kong to European, South American and even some Asian destinations have surged amid the latest geopolitical tensions, according to industry insiders, especially on routes that typically transit through Middle Eastern aviation hubs. A check by the South China Morning Post found that airfares to such destinations had roughly tripled from Tuesday, days after the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran, triggering retaliatory action from the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345571/sky-high-jump-airfares-hong-kong-europe-americas-even-asian-cities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345571/sky-high-jump-airfares-hong-kong-europe-americas-even-asian-cities?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:49:24 +0000 Oscar Liu,Jess Ma Oscar Liu,Jess Ma The number of Hongkongers stranded in the Middle East and seeking help from immigration authorities has risen to more than 580 as the US-Israel war on Iran escalates, while local flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has extended flight suspensions to Dubai and Saudi capital Riyadh until next Saturday. A spokesman for the Immigration Department said officers had received inquiries from 585 residents as of 5pm on Tuesday, with four having successfully left the region. “The rest of the Hongkongers... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345207/us-israel-war-iran-disrupts-54-hong-kong-mideast-flights-airspace-remains-closed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345207/us-israel-war-iran-disrupts-54-hong-kong-mideast-flights-airspace-remains-closed?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:00:50 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Some Hongkongers stranded in the Middle East following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran have called for greater help from the Chinese embassy and the Hong Kong government, as others consider travelling by road to another city to fly back home. As of Tuesday, at least 585 residents were stranded in the region, immigration authorities said. On social media, some residents wrote they had been unable to contact the Chinese consulate in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by phone and had to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345197/we-want-go-home-hongkongers-trapped-mideast-call-more-official-help?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345197/we-want-go-home-hongkongers-trapped-mideast-call-more-official-help?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:37 +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 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 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong International Airport’s second terminal, set to fully open in May, is projected to serve 15 million travellers by the end of this year, with a midterm goal of increasing capacity to 30 million. The target was revealed by Rock Chen Chung-nin, lawmaker and board member of the Airport Authority, who said on Friday that the 15 airlines scheduled to operate from the terminal would primarily be budget and newer carriers flying short-haul routes. The carriers would include Hong Kong Airlines,... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3344090/hong-kong-airports-terminal-2-projected-serve-15-million-travellers-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3344090/hong-kong-airports-terminal-2-projected-serve-15-million-travellers-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:25:39 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A Hong Kong Airlines flight was among three aircraft forced to circle above Taoyuan airport in Taiwan and issue mayday distress calls over fuel concerns after a runway closure disrupted arrivals. In reply to the South China Morning Post on Monday, the airline said the crew of flight HX260 from Hong Kong to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport had requested a priority landing on safety grounds. According to audio clips circulating online, the cabin crew made three mayday calls at around 7pm on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342961/hong-kong-airlines-plane-issues-mayday-call-amid-runway-closure-taipei?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342961/hong-kong-airlines-plane-issues-mayday-call-amid-runway-closure-taipei?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:33:26 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong police have arrested a man after finding an extendable baton in his checked luggage bound for the United States, marking the second discovery of an unauthorised weapon in airline baggage this week. The force received a report on Friday after airport security staff made the find, prompting officers to arrest the 62-year-old local man. “Preliminary investigations showed that the man had hidden a suspected extendable baton, an unauthorised weapon, in his checked suitcase,” a police... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337884/hong-kong-man-arrested-after-extendable-baton-found-us-bound-luggage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337884/hong-kong-man-arrested-after-extendable-baton-found-us-bound-luggage?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Dec 2025 08:36:00 +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 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung A Hong Kong student delegation has pulled out of a regional exchange programme in Japan next month amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute between Beijing and Tokyo. The Education Bureau confirmed on Saturday that Hong Kong would withdraw from this year’s Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Programme, citing safety concerns. “In light of the recent increase in attacks on Chinese citizens in Japan and to ensure the safety of teachers and students, the Hong Kong delegation has,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333793/hong-kong-student-delegation-opts-out-japan-exchange-programme-amid-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333793/hong-kong-student-delegation-opts-out-japan-exchange-programme-amid-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Nov 2025 09:27:39 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall The number of Japanese travellers to Hong Kong jumped more than 32 per cent for the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, an encouraging sign of recovery for tourism authorities in the Chinese city seeking to draw more visitors from the Land of the Rising Sun. Between January and July, 395,375 Japanese travelled to Hong Kong, a healthy 32.2 per cent increase on the same period last year. This figure is still, however, slightly more than 46 per cent down on arrivals in... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3327074/japanese-flock-hong-kong-lured-nostalgic-kawaii-appeal-pandas-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3327074/japanese-flock-hong-kong-lured-nostalgic-kawaii-appeal-pandas-labubu?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:00:17 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Eager travellers, undeterred by an announcement that outbound flights would not resume until 6am on Thursday, headed to Hong Kong International Airport as Severe Typhoon Ragasa moved away from the city. With all flights suspended until midnight, the Airport Authority said it expected the airport would be very busy. It anticipated later handling about 1,000 flights. It would take about two days to clear the backlog of flights, as 140,000 passengers were affected on Tuesday and Wednesday, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3326722/hong-kong-airport-braces-ragasa-backlog-140000-passengers-affected?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3326722/hong-kong-airport-braces-ragasa-backlog-140000-passengers-affected?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:56:19 +0000 Wynna Wong,Jiang Chuqin Wynna Wong,Jiang Chuqin Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will issue the No 8 warning signal at 2.20pm on Tuesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa nears, with authorities calling on members of the public with long journeys home to start making their moves. At 12pm, Ragasa, which is expected to bring hurricane-force winds with speeds of up to 230km/h (143mph) and thunderstorms, was estimated to be about 420km southeast of Hong Kong. The forecaster said that it would upgrade the No 3 signal to No 8 at 2.20pm as local winds would... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3326471/we-shall-brave-storm-john-lee-says-hong-kong-high-level-readiness-ragasa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3326471/we-shall-brave-storm-john-lee-says-hong-kong-high-level-readiness-ragasa?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 03:38:27 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Travellers have started preparing for the onslaught of Super Typhoon Ragasa, with some arriving at Hong Kong International Airport up to two days early on Monday to reschedule flights as all local airlines announced cancellations of most departures starting Tuesday evening. At least 700 flights are set to be cancelled by Hong Kong’s four airlines alone, due to Ragasa – a Filipino word meaning rapid or fast action. Hannah Li and Kirill Bordashevich, both in their 20s, were among hundreds of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326413/passengers-rush-rearrange-flights-hong-kong-airport-ragasa-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326413/passengers-rush-rearrange-flights-hong-kong-airport-ragasa-approaches?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:17:09 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The emergency exit door and inflatable evacuation slide of a Hong Kong Airlines plane were triggered “inadvertently” after landing in Osaka on Sunday, causing no injuries but delaying the return flight for 70 passengers. The Civil Aviation Department said in a response to the Post that it had requested Hong Kong Airlines to submit a report regarding the incident, and would continue to follow up with the airline. The carrier said on Monday it had reported the incident on flight HX612, which... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3326351/emergency-exit-slide-hong-kong-airlines-plane-triggered-after-landing-osaka?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3326351/emergency-exit-slide-hong-kong-airlines-plane-triggered-after-landing-osaka?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:07:03 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong readers now get 50 per cent off their first year of subscription until September 21, 2025. Hong Kong authorities are bracing for “serious threats” posed by the looming Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is expected to bring hurricane-force winds with speeds of up to 220km/h (137mph) in coming days, potentially breaking a record set during Saola in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326280/ragasa-set-bring-winds-210km/h-hong-kong-higher-2017s-typhoon-hato?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326280/ragasa-set-bring-winds-210km/h-hong-kong-higher-2017s-typhoon-hato?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 02:38:21 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong airport’s revamped second terminal will open in stages from September 23 as part of the city’s efforts to raise its game as an international aviation hub, with a coach hall debuting first. The Post unpacks what passengers can expect at Terminal 2. 1. What comes first at Terminal 2? The first phase of operations at the expanded Terminal 2 involves a reconfigured coach hall opening. The hall is a covered area with 41 parking spaces for limousines, tour buses and cross-boundary and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3323769/hong-kong-airports-terminal-2-reopening-stages-heres-what-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3323769/hong-kong-airports-terminal-2-reopening-stages-heres-what-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Aug 2025 10:50:59 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk An airport in Japan’s Kagawa prefecture is still struggling to lure back tourists, particularly those from Hong Kong, a month after a viral manga prediction about a massive earthquake came and went without incident. At a meeting of the Takamatsu Airport Utilisation Review Council on Monday, officials said the number of passengers flying from Hong Kong to the airport had plunged following rumours of a “megaquake” and had yet to recover, according to local broadcaster KSB. None of the flights... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3323506/japan-airport-still-reeling-loss-tourists-after-mangas-quake-prediction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3323506/japan-airport-still-reeling-loss-tourists-after-mangas-quake-prediction?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:54:47 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China urged to monitor disputed border as India upgrades road to move tanks 2. Hong Kong Airlines alerts Korean authorities after 4 passengers clash mid-air 3. Trump says he will meet Putin in Alaska on August 15 for Ukraine talks 4. China counts down to start of work on Xinjiang-Tibet... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3321398/china-and-indias-disputed-border-trump-meet-putin-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3321398/china-and-indias-disputed-border-trump-meet-putin-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:30:06 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Confined space, a lack of legroom, stress-provoking boarding procedures and airlines’ cost-saving measures are a recipe for conflicts among air passengers, observers have said, after another heated dispute on a Hong Kong flight. Experts also said on Sunday that social media had fuelled a “copycat effect” in which people imitated disruptive behaviour and aggressive responses they had seen online. Hong Kong Airlines issued written warnings to four passengers and alerted Korean law enforcement... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3321385/why-are-there-more-fights-hong-kong-flights-experts-tackle-issue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3321385/why-are-there-more-fights-hong-kong-flights-experts-tackle-issue?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Aug 2025 14:20:11 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A heated dispute between four passengers on a flight to Seoul has prompted Hong Kong Airlines to alert Korean law enforcement authorities and issue a warning to those involved. The airline said the incident occurred on Friday on flight HX628 from Hong Kong to Seoul, which, according to tracking website FlightAware, took off at 9.09am and landed at 1.03pm. A video circulating online shows a man and a woman speaking Mandarin arguing with a Cantonese-speaking pair, and flight attendants trying to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3321295/hong-kong-airlines-alerts-korean-authorities-after-4-passengers-clash-mid-air?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3321295/hong-kong-airlines-alerts-korean-authorities-after-4-passengers-clash-mid-air?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Aug 2025 03:22:40 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung A Hong Kong Airlines plane had a close encounter with another aircraft on the runway after landing at Taoyuan airport in Taiwan on Friday in what appears to have been a blunder by air traffic controllers. The Hong Kong-based carrier later denied some Taiwanese media reports that its aircraft had landed on the wrong runway. Hong Kong Airlines flight HX252 was carrying 161 passengers and seven crew members and left the city at about 9.15am for Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan. The aircraft... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3319630/hong-kong-airlines-flight-ends-facing-other-aircraft-taiwan-runway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3319630/hong-kong-airlines-flight-ends-facing-other-aircraft-taiwan-runway?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Jul 2025 11:28:16 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong Airlines will roll out a new direct service to Melbourne and Lijiang in Yunnan province as part of an aggressive network expansion, with the carrier pledging to capitalise on the increased capacity of the city’s international airport. The carrier said on Friday it would operate its direct service to Melbourne three times a week from December 12 using an Airbus A330 aircraft. The flight schedule will be flexibly timed to facilitate connections for passengers transiting through Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3319618/hong-kong-airlines-launch-new-direct-routes-melbourne-and-lijiang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3319618/hong-kong-airlines-launch-new-direct-routes-melbourne-and-lijiang?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:15:04 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Four Hong Kong Airlines passenger flights touched down at the city’s airport while the highest typhoon signal was still in force on Sunday, with experts saying such landings were possible under the right wind and operational conditions. The four flights, which came from Chongqing, Tokyo, Beijing and Denpasar, landed between 2.25pm and 4.04pm. The average maximum sustained wind speed near the centre of Typhoon Wipha stood at around 140km/h (87mph) at the time. They were the only flights to travel... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3319056/typhoon-wipha-how-did-4-hong-kong-airlines-planes-manage-land-amid-t10?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3319056/typhoon-wipha-how-did-4-hong-kong-airlines-planes-manage-land-amid-t10?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:34:41 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Lam Ka-sing Ng Kang-chung,Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong airport is scrambling to deal with a backlog of 500 cancelled flights for about 100,000 passengers, with some people waiting there since Saturday amid the upheaval caused by Typhoon Wipha. Chris Au Young, the Airport Authority’s general manager of terminal and passenger experience, said on Sunday afternoon that about 400 rescheduled flights would either depart or arrive in Hong Kong later in the day as the typhoon moved away from the city and weakened. “More than 500 flights were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3318923/typhoon-wipha-hong-kong-airport-scrambling-deal-backlog-500-flights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3318923/typhoon-wipha-hong-kong-airport-scrambling-deal-backlog-500-flights?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 15:12:02 +0000 Danielle Popov,Hannah Wang Danielle Popov,Hannah Wang Chinese manufacturers of power banks – the ubiquitous portable batteries used by travellers to charge smartphones, tablets and laptops – are under increased public scrutiny, following a spate of incidents in which defective units were found to have caught fire during commercial flights. That prompted the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to impose an emergency ban on air passengers carrying substandard power banks, a safety precaution that went into effect on June 28. Portable... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3317936/no-fly-zone-what-brought-about-chinas-largest-power-bank-scandal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3317936/no-fly-zone-what-brought-about-chinas-largest-power-bank-scandal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Jul 2025 02:30:07 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hongkongers’ enthusiasm for visiting Japan is expected to rebound “explosively” in the coming days and months after fears of a “megaquake” predicted in a manga proved unfounded, an industry leader has said. Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, executive director of EGL Tours, said on Monday that rumours of a July 5 earthquake had earlier caused significant concern among some Hongkongers. Many residents had shelved trips to Japan, leading to a sharp decline in tour group bookings. He said his agency normally... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3317289/surge-hongkongers-visiting-japan-expected-after-manga-megaquake-fears-fade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3317289/surge-hongkongers-visiting-japan-expected-after-manga-megaquake-fears-fade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:25:01 +0000 Sammy Heung Sammy Heung The plot of a Japanese manga has played a big role in fuelling online rumours about a “megaquake” striking Japan on Saturday, triggering fear among some Hongkongers and a decline in interest in trips to the country, a hugely popular destination for residents. But are the claims made by the comic book artist, based on her dreams, possible? The Post has gathered expert opinions to debunk the speculation. 1. Why have concerns about megaquakes arisen? The Japan Meteorological Agency last August... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317043/japanese-manga-megaquake-possible-july-5-or-have-hongkongers-lost-plot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317043/japanese-manga-megaquake-possible-july-5-or-have-hongkongers-lost-plot?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:45:47 +0000 Nicole Cheah Nicole Cheah A manga novel’s prediction has fuelled rumours that a mega-earthquake will hit Japan on Saturday. Social media posts claiming that disaster will strike on Saturday have attracted millions of views and even dampened tourism, according to some reports. Fans claim the same manga foretold the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which claimed the lives of nearly 20,000 people. Why are people concerned about a prophecy from a graphic novel, and how prepared is Japan for a major... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3316900/japans-manga-megaquake-prophecy-likely-be-fulfilled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3316900/japans-manga-megaquake-prophecy-likely-be-fulfilled?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 03:12:07 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong travel agencies have not recorded widespread cancellations of Japan-bound tour groups for the coming weekend, despite a manga artist’s widely discussed prediction that a mega-earthquake will hit the country on Saturday. But some business insiders suggested the number of tours this summer was expected to fall by half compared with last year. The Japan National Tourism Organisation reported that only 193,100 visitors from Hong Kong were recorded coming to the country in May, down by 11.2... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3316710/hong-kong-tourists-undeterred-manga-prediction-quake-will-hit-japan-july-5?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3316710/hong-kong-tourists-undeterred-manga-prediction-quake-will-hit-japan-july-5?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jul 2025 03:37:54 +0000 Julian Ryall Julian Ryall A swarm of earthquakes around Japan’s remote Tokara Islands and the eruption of a long-dormant volcano in Kyushu have renewed public anxiety – stoked in part by a manga artist whose work is widely believed to have foretold a 2011 disaster and who has now predicted another major calamity striking Japan in early July. Seismologists and officials have dismissed any suggestion of a link between the recent activity and the prediction, stressing that there is no scientific basis for forecasting the... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3315795/quake-swarm-and-volcano-eruption-japan-reignite-fears-linked-viral-manga-prediction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3315795/quake-swarm-and-volcano-eruption-japan-reignite-fears-linked-viral-manga-prediction?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:09 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Almost 5 per cent of international flights to the Middle East have been cancelled this month due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which has made the region more unstable after the US bombarded key Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran vowed to defend itself. According to data from aviation analytics company Cirium, 1,552 out of 32,583, or 4.76 per cent of scheduled flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Doha, and Abu Dhabi worldwide were cancelled this month. There were no cancellations of flights... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3315535/middle-east-conflict-hits-global-aviation-hong-kong-routes-unaffected?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3315535/middle-east-conflict-hits-global-aviation-hong-kong-routes-unaffected?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Jun 2025 13:20:55 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Cathay Pacific Airways’ budget carrier, HK Express, expects passenger numbers to grow by up to 40 per cent this year despite feeling “some impact” from cuts to summer flights to Japan as a result of Hongkongers avoiding the country over earthquake rumours, its boss has said. HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao Jie-qiong said on Wednesday that flight adjustments to Japanese destinations coupled with the grounding of five aircraft this year because of engine problems had posed some challenges. Mao said... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3314951/cathay-budget-carrier-hk-express-upbeat-growth-despite-japan-flight-cuts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3314951/cathay-budget-carrier-hk-express-upbeat-growth-despite-japan-flight-cuts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:15:52 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong Airlines is set to cancel flights to Kagoshima and Kumamoto in Japan in July and August, citing sluggish demand for tourism in the country, while flight schedules between the city and Nagoya will also be adjusted. The carrier announced the flight adjustments on Thursday amid growing concerns about a long-feared megaquake predicted to hit Japan. The airline said affected passengers could rebook for alternative destinations, including other cities in Japan and mainland China, as well as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3314148/hong-kong-airlines-cuts-japan-routes-over-sluggish-tourism-and-tremor-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3314148/hong-kong-airlines-cuts-japan-routes-over-sluggish-tourism-and-tremor-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Jun 2025 08:40:30 +0000