A typhoon forced the majority of Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong flights to be grounded today.
Airlines cancelled a total of 420 flights, financial markets suspended and schools closed as Tropical Cyclone Hato struck the city bringing winds of more than 60 mph, the first category 10 storm to hit Hong Kong since typhoon Vicente in 2012.
British Airways delayed two flights due to depart from Heathrow last night to enable them to land in Hong Kong after the worst of the storm passes through.
“Our flights departing from Hong Kong will continue on their normal schedules,” BA said.
Cathay Pacific was closely monitoring Hato and its impact to flight operations.
“A majority of flights departing and arriving into Hong Kong between 6 am and 5 pm on Wednesday are cancelled,” the airline said.
“Please note that wind speed and direction are severely impacting flight operations, and are forecast to do so throughout Wednesday, regardless of typhoon signal level.”
The carrier has waived re-booking and re-routing fees for affected passengers and urged travellers to check the status of their flight before setting out to the airport.
“We strongly advise customers to amend their travel plans if possible, to avoid disappointment,” Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific added.
“We are currently experiencing a high volume of phone calls to our global contact centre.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office amended its travel advice for Hong Kong and southern coastal regions of China to warn of “hazardous” sea and weather conditions.