More than 300 HKIA flights affected by typhoon

The Hong Kong Observatory hoisted Typhoon 8 at 1:40am on Wednesday (August 14) morning, prompting the suspension of most public transport in the city. By law, schools and offices also had to close until the signal was lowered to No 3 or below. More than 300 flights at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) were affected because of "Severe Typhoon Utor" (see news here).

Although signal No 8 was lowered to 3 at 2pm as Utor moved away from Hong Kong and landed on western Guangzhou, and most flight operations are resumed, Cathay Pacific (CX) and Dragonair (KA) warned that diversion or delay of flights is still possible as the weather remains unstable. Passengers are encouraged to defer non-essential travel to the city today (August 14) and tomorrow (August 15). The airlines will waive re-booking fees for all tickets issued worldwide on or before August 12 for travel between 1800 on August 13 and August 15.

A spokesperson from KA confirmed that because of cancelled flights, there is a number of stranded passengers that need to be rebooked for other flights, either by KA or other airlines. The city's airport advised that passengers contact their airlines for the latest flight information or check the airport's website before departing for the airport.

Flights cancelled because of Utor are as follows:

CX

KA

Air China

For more information, visit www.hongkongairport.com , www.flychinaeastern.com , www.airchina.com , www.cathaypacific.com , www.dragonair.com

Valerian Ho