Cathay Pacific Halts Flights with Approach of Super Typhoon Ragasa
Cathay Pacific (CX) is temporarily ceasing all flight operations to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) for 36 hours as Super Typhoon Ragasa nears. This decision includes relocating a portion of its fleet to prevent storm damage.
Flight Suspension Details
On Tuesday afternoon, operations at HKG will begin to wind down, transitioning to a full suspension starting at 6 p.m. on September 23. Flights are expected to resume at 6 a.m. on September 25, contingent upon weather conditions.
Cathay Pacific’s Response to Typhoon Ragasa
The Hong Kong Observatory indicates that Ragasa will be closest to the Pearl River Estuary by Wednesday morning, prompting the city to issue its highest storm warning signal. Cathay Pacific prioritizes passenger safety and has announced a travel waiver that allows cancellations or changes without penalties. Passengers are advised to manage bookings through the airline’s website or app due to overwhelming demand on call centers.
Additionally, in-town check-in counters at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations will remain closed during the suspension, as noted by PYOK.
Aircraft Relocation and Airport Operations
Cathay Pacific is proactively moving some aircraft away from Hong Kong to minimize damage risks from potential debris. Although Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) will remain technically open, significant operational disruptions are anticipated. While all three runways are expected to be available, flight operations will pause as the storm intensifies. Terminal facilities will remain accessible, offering shelter and basic support for affected passengers.
Passenger Support During the Suspension
- Rest areas with bottled water, snacks, and charging stations will be available for passengers staying overnight.
- Select restaurants and retail outlets will continue to operate, providing access to essentials.
- Authorities advise travelers to avoid unnecessary airport visits until normal flight operations resume.
Impact Beyond Hong Kong
Before reaching Hong Kong, Typhoon Ragasa is predicted to affect several southern Chinese provinces. Shenzhen (SZX) officials have initiated large-scale preparations, including evacuation orders for 400,000 residents. The storm raises concerns about possible flooding, power outages, and transport disruptions across the region.
