Hong Kong International Airport Halts Operations for 36 Hours Due to Super Typhoon Ragasa

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), a major global aviation hub, is suspending all passenger flights for 36 hours in anticipation of Super Typhoon Ragasa.

The unprecedented closure is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and conclude at 6 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025. This decision highlights the significant threat posed by the approaching storm and the city's commitment to prioritizing safety. Super Typhoon Ragasa, with sustained winds up to 230 kilometers per hour (143 mph), has already impacted the Philippines, causing widespread evacuations and disruptions.

The Hong Kong Observatory is preparing to escalate its tropical cyclone warning signals as the storm moves across the South China Sea, with plans to issue the T3 signal and potentially higher warnings. The extensive closure at HKIA is expected to cause significant disruptions for thousands of travelers and airlines. Typically, the airport handles around 1,100 flights and 190,000 passengers daily. Major carriers, including Cathay Pacific, which operates approximately 45% of flights at HKIA, are proactively canceling hundreds of services, with Cathay Pacific anticipating over 500 flight cancellations.

In response to the impending weather, Cathay Pacific and other local airlines are waiving rebooking and rerouting fees for flights scheduled between September 23 and 25. This proactive shutdown reflects lessons learned from previous typhoons, such as Super Typhoon Saola in September 2023, which led to a 20-hour operational halt, and Typhoon Wipha in July 2025, which caused a 13-hour pause. The current 36-hour closure signifies an amplified level of caution.

Residents across Hong Kong have been preparing for the storm by stockpiling essential goods. The Airport Authority Hong Kong is closely monitoring the storm's progression to ensure all necessary safety preparations are in place. This decision underscores Hong Kong's resilience and foresight in managing extreme weather events and highlights the critical importance of robust emergency management strategies.