Hong Kong Airlines Alters Flight Plans To Japan Due To False Earthquake Forecast And Reduced Demand

Hong Kong Airlines has made the decision to alter its flight plans to Japan, canceling services to Kagoshima and Kumamoto for July and August. This change comes after an unfounded earthquake forecast, paired with reduced travel demand, influenced the airline’s decision. Despite the absence of scientific evidence backing the rumored natural disaster, the airline’s response underscores how rumors can impact travel patterns and force airlines to adjust operations accordingly.

Hong Kong Airlines Cancels Flights to Kagoshima and Kumamoto Amid Unfounded Earthquake Rumor

Hong Kong Airlines has made the decision to cancel its scheduled flights to Kagoshima and Kumamoto in southern Japan for the months of July and August, following an unfounded rumor predicting a major earthquake and tsunami in Japan this summer. The decision has sparked concern among travelers, particularly those who had already booked their trips to the affected destinations.

This rumor, which originated from a Japanese manga republished in 2021, claims that the author had experienced a prophetic dream about a catastrophic disaster striking Japan in July 2025. Despite the lack of scientific backing, the rumor has led to a noticeable decline in travel demand between Hong Kong and Japan, prompting the airline to adjust its flight schedules. Reports from Japanese news outlet NHK indicate that Hong Kong Airlines had already reduced flight frequencies to these regions starting in May due to lower demand.

The airline’s suspension of flights to Kagoshima and Kumamoto has caused significant disruption for both leisure and business travelers. In response, Hong Kong Airlines has offered affected passengers the opportunity to rebook their flights to alternative destinations. The airline has also stated that passengers opting for refunds will receive travel vouchers as compensation, providing some relief to those unable to travel due to the cancellations.

Notably, the airline had only resumed its Kagoshima route last year after a four-year hiatus. The route had seen growing demand, with the airline increasing its weekly round trips from three to four in December 2024 to accommodate the rising number of passengers. The decision to cancel flights for the summer months comes as a blow to the region’s tourism industry, which had anticipated continued growth in passenger traffic from Hong Kong.

The source of the rumored earthquake prediction has drawn considerable attention in Japan, particularly due to the influence of the Japanese manga in which the author speculated about the disaster. This has led to some confusion among travelers, many of whom are now reconsidering their plans to visit Japan. However, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has been quick to dismiss the claims, clarifying that the prediction has no scientific basis. The organization has strongly urged travelers to rely on credible, official sources when making their travel decisions, in an effort to curb any further panic or disruption to tourism.

Japan, despite the disruption caused by the rumor, has experienced significant success in its tourism sector in recent years. In 2024, the country saw a record-breaking 36.8 million tourist arrivals, surpassing its previous high of nearly 32 million in 2019. This surge in visitors underscores the continued global appeal of Japan as a travel destination, despite the occasional setbacks caused by external factors.

Travel experts suggest that the current situation, though temporary, highlights the impact that rumors can have on international travel. The influence of social media and other informal sources of information is increasingly shaping travelers’ decisions, often leading to significant consequences for airlines, tourism boards, and other stakeholders in the travel industry.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong Airlines and other international carriers operating between Hong Kong and Japan are likely to continue monitoring the situation closely, especially as the summer travel season approaches. Despite the temporary cancellations, the airline is expected to resume full service once the demand for flights returns to normal levels. In the meantime, travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels and to remain cautious when encountering unverified claims regarding travel safety.

While the impact of this earthquake rumor has been felt by those with plans to visit Kagoshima and Kumamoto, Japan’s tourism industry remains resilient, and the country’s popularity as a travel destination shows no signs of waning. Travelers planning to visit other regions of Japan can continue to rely on well-established and scientifically-backed travel information as they prepare for their trips.

Hong Kong Airlines has adjusted its flight plans to Japan, canceling services to Kagoshima and Kumamoto for July and August due to a false earthquake forecast and declining demand. The airline’s decision highlights how unfounded rumors can disrupt travel schedules and impact airline operations.

The incident also serves as a reminder to both the travel industry and consumers alike about the importance of verified information in an era of rapidly spreading rumors. As Japan continues to attract millions of international visitors, ensuring that tourists are guided by accurate, reliable sources will be crucial in maintaining the country’s position as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.