Typhoon Wipha disrupts 400 flights at HK airport
Chris Au Young said that flights are anticipated to gradually resume from about 1 pm. Photo: RTHK
Hong Kong International Airport faced further disruption on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha intensified, forcing the Airport Authority to reschedule approximately 400 flights affecting around 80,000 passengers.
As winds associated with the typhoon buffered Hong Kong, the Observatory issued the Hurricane Signal No. 10 at 9.20 am saying it would remain in force for some time. Overnight, the Observatory had issued the Storm Signal No. 8 at 20 minutes past midnight followed by the Increasing Gale Signal No. 9 seven hours later..
Chris Au Young, the authority's general manager of terminal and passenger experience, said flights are anticipated to gradually resume from about 1 pm but that passengers should expect an extremely busy airport in the evening.
Au Young told affected travellers to contact their airlines in advance and allow ample time to reach the airport.
"If the No. 8 and No. 9 or higher wind signals continue, we will adjust flight arrangements, and delays will persist. Therefore, we are prepared - providing adequate time and space for passengers to avoid being stranded. We will distribute water, blankets and appropriate food as well," he said.
Highlighting the overnight impact of the typhoon, Au Young said 36 flights carrying over 3,000 passengers had arrived between midnight and 6 am.
He said operations at the airport remained normal with most arrivals departing via the Airport Express before 6.00 am.
Au Young said the authority had deployed an additional thousand staff members and made sure that about 800 taxis were available overnight.
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