Published on
September 22, 2025
In a significant development for air travel, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has announced that it is considering suspending all flights for 36 hours, from 6 p.m. on September 23 to 6 a.m. on September 25, in preparation for the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful typhoons of the year. This potential suspension marks the longest such move in recent years, reflecting the severity of the storm and its expected impact on the region.
Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches Hong Kong
As of September 22, 2025, Typhoon Ragasa has intensified into a super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 230 km/h (143 mph). The storm is currently crossing the Luzon Strait and is moving towards the northern part of the South China Sea. It is forecasted to pass near Hong Kong before making landfall over Guangdong province in China on Wednesday, September 24.
Given the storm’s strength and trajectory, Hong Kong International Airport has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its passengers, staff, and aviation operations. The 36-hour flight suspension would be the longest such action at HKIA in recent years. To put this into context, HKIA suspended all flights for 20 hours in September 2023 due to Typhoon Saola, and 13 hours during Typhoon Wipha in July 2025.
Impact on Flight Operations
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling approximately 1,100 flights and 190,000 passengers daily. The 36-hour suspension will cause a major disruption in flight schedules, with thousands of passengers affected by cancellations and delays. This move is necessary to ensure that the airport can manage the safety of its operations during the storm’s impact.
Cathay Pacific, the airline that operates about 45% of flights at HKIA, is expected to be particularly affected by the suspension. In response to the disruption, Cathay Pacific has announced that it will waive rebooking and rerouting fees for passengers traveling between September 23 and September 25. This allows affected travelers to reschedule their flights without incurring additional costs.
The airline’s proactive approach aims to ease the burden on travelers and ensure that passengers have more flexibility when adjusting their plans during the storm. Other airlines operating at HKIA are expected to follow similar measures, helping their passengers make alternate arrangements in light of the upcoming flight suspensions.
Tropical Cyclone Warning and Safety Measures
The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the No. 1 Standby Signal for the typhoon, with the possibility of upgrading it to the No. 3 Strong Wind Signal as Typhoon Ragasa nears. These warnings indicate that the typhoon is expected to bring severe winds and heavy rainfall to the region. In response, Hong Kong authorities are advising residents to take precautions ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Passengers planning to travel in or out of Hong Kong are urged to stay updated on the latest warnings and safety instructions from official channels. It is recommended that travelers secure any loose items, stay indoors, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. The airport, airlines, and local authorities are working together to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Travel Recommendations for Affected Passengers
Travelers who are scheduled to fly to or from Hong Kong between September 23 and September 25 are advised to take the following steps to minimize the disruption caused by Typhoon Ragasa:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the Hong Kong Observatory and airlines for the latest information on flight cancellations, delays, and warnings.
- Flexible Travel Plans: If you are traveling to or from Hong Kong, consider adjusting your itinerary to avoid potential disruptions. Airlines are offering rebooking options with waived fees, so it may be worth rescheduling your flight for a later date.
- Contact Airlines: Reach out to your airline directly to confirm the status of your flight and to inquire about any changes to flight schedules. Many airlines are providing updates on their websites and through customer service channels.
- Prepare for Delays: Expect delays in both domestic and international travel. Plan accordingly and allow extra time for security checks, rebooking, or boarding.
Conclusion: Preparing for Typhoon Ragasa’s Impact
As Typhoon Ragasa nears Hong Kong, the potential for disruption at Hong Kong International Airport is high, with a 36-hour flight suspension likely to affect thousands of travelers. With the cooperation of airlines and airport authorities, efforts are being made to ensure that the safety and security of passengers remain the top priority.
Passengers are encouraged to remain flexible with their travel plans and stay updated on the latest announcements regarding flight schedules, weather conditions, and airport operations. The Hong Kong Observatory and other local authorities will continue to provide important updates, while airlines like Cathay Pacific are working to make the process as smooth as possible for affected passengers.
The 36-hour flight suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure that both travelers and airport personnel are kept safe during the powerful storm’s impact. As Typhoon Ragasa progresses, travelers are urged to take all necessary precautions and monitor official channels for the latest information.
