Hong Kong Airport keeps flights running smoothly as Typhoon Wipha hits during summer peak

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) successfully handled around 1,500 flights on 20 and 21 July under its Flight Rescheduling Control System despite Typhoon Wipha. Normal flight operations are expected to resume tomorrow.

Hong Kong Airport weathers Typhoon Wipha with strong coordination and steady flight operations

With public transport suspended during Typhoon Signal No 9 or above, passengers were advised to remain in the terminal for safety. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) set up a temporary rest area with 500 chairs, mobile charging stations and other facilities. Additional staff were deployed, and AAHK’s Passenger Care Team provided bottled water, dry food and blankets. Several restaurants and convenience stores stayed open, with some operating 24 hours.

To manage taxi demand, the Queue Ticket System was activated, allowing passengers to wait indoors. Over 4,000 tickets were issued, and the system operated smoothly. The MTR Corporation also resumed and added Airport Express Link services after the signal was lowered from 9 to 8.

Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of AAHK, said, “The airport faced great challenges as the storm hit us directly during the peak season of summer travel. We activated the Airport Emergency Centre to facilitate coordination among various departments and organisations. HKIA was able to maintain smooth operations and quickly resume flight operations after the storm, demonstrating our efficiency, our response capabilities strengthened through multiple exercises, as well as the concerted effort of all stakeholders. I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the airlines, other members of the airport community and various government departments for working with us to get well prepared before the typhoon, and deployed extra manpower to assist passengers. I am also grateful to the MTR Corporation for increasing the Airport Express Link service, and the taxi associations for their help in boosting the supply of taxis.”

AAHK also opened two rest centres for 400 staff to ensure sufficient manpower.