As Typhoon Ragasa moves away from the Hong Kong area, airlines are beginning to start a gradual resumption of flights in and out of Hong Kong International Airport.
According to Cathay Pacific, the airline will “implement a staggered and gradual resumption of flights throughout Thursday into Friday.” Air traffic control restrictions will stay in place all day on Thursday, Sept. 25, which will aid the airport in managing the increased volume of aircraft returning to Hong Kong. Passengers should expect residual delays with this in mind.
Additionally, the airline notes that the weather remains unpredictable, particularly with crosswinds, which could further delay flights.
Hong Kong International Airport states that passengers may also face delays going to and from the airport, with infrastructure disruptions related to damage from the typhoon. However, the airport also notes that passengers shouldn’t rush to the airport immediately, and to only arrive once they have a confirmed booking with an airline.
As of 6 a.m. local time Thursday, several aircraft can be seen on approach into Hong Kong:
Many of these aircraft spent an extra day at their respective locations. For example, B-LRT operating flight CX843 from New York to Hong Kong (the top right in the above image) spent Tuesday, Sept. 23 in New York while they waited out the disruptions back home.
All three runways are now expected to be operational. Although the airport won’t be at full operating capacity yet, operations will remain highly busy for the next few days.
Featured image by Fengianum, Shutterstock.
