Hong Kong Airport Plans 36-Hour Flight Grounding as Ragasa Nears

(HONG KONG, CHINA) Super Typhoon Ragasa is driving Hong Kong toward one of its most severe weather weeks in recent memory, with airport authorities preparing for major disruption even as they stop short of confirming a blanket halt to flights. As of 20:00 HKT on September 22, 2025, the Hong Kong Observatory reported Ragasa as a Super Typhoon packing maximum sustained winds of 230 km/h, centered about 770 km east-southeast of Hong Kong at 19.5°N, 120.4°E. The storm is tracking northwest and is expected to remain highly dangerous through September 23 before slowly weakening as it nears the southern China coast.

Current status and forecast

The Hong Kong Observatory, which operates the city’s numbered typhoon signal system, has advised that Ragasa is expected to weaken only gradually after September 23. The forecast track brings deteriorating weather into the Pearl River Delta, with Hong Kong’s projected impact window stretching from late September 23 through September 25.

• The most hazardous conditions for the city could cluster within a 24–36 hour period inside that window.
• The Observatory continues to post frequent bulletins as the storm moves closer; its official updates are available at the Hong Kong government website of the Hong Kong Observatory.

Meteorologists warn that strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge are possible for the city and nearby southern China coasts. The core forecast remains that the storm will start weakening after September 23, but Ragasa’s size means Hong Kong can still face dangerous conditions even if the center doesn’t pass directly overhead.

Expect heavy disruption and be ready for last-minute changes. A firm decision on a full airport closure will likely coincide with the issuance of Signal No. 8 or above.

Airport operations: readiness and possible actions

Airport Operations are under intense review. While Hong Kong International Airport has issued no public order to ground all flights for 36 hours, airport officials, airlines, and the Civil Aviation Department are actively planning for the possibility of large-scale cancellations and even a full suspension of operations if wind strength and storm surge risks rise quickly.

Those steps follow standard typhoon protocols when Signal No. 8 or above is in effect. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, carriers have already begun fine-tuning schedules and warning customers that their plans could change at short notice.

Key operational actions being taken now:
– Securing aircraft, jet bridges, and ramp equipment to reduce debris risks
– Moving mobile assets and ground power units to safer positions
– Adjusting staff rosters so essential teams can remain on site as needed
– Staging recovery crews to support a phased restart once winds fall
– Coordinating with public transport partners on service levels to and from the airport

The Airport Authority Hong Kong is coordinating closely with airlines, the Civil Aviation Department, and ground service teams to prepare the airfield and terminals.

What happens when Signal No. 8 (or higher) is issued

Hong Kong’s typhoon system is well known: when Signal No. 8 or higher is issued, most Airport Operations wind down rapidly. Practical consequences for travelers and airport services include:

• Widespread cancellations and possible full suspension of flight operations
• Check-in closures and terminal access limits to avoid crowding
• Reduced or suspended public transport to the airport, including Airport Express and other rail or bus links
• Non-essential staff advised to stay home for safety

Even before a high signal is posted, airlines often cancel or consolidate flights between 24–48 hours ahead of the expected wind peak to avoid stranding customers and crews. The timing of those early changes depends on fleet position, crew duty limits, and the storm’s speed along its forecast track.

Airline and passenger guidance

Airlines have begun to act on their playbooks. Major carriers, including Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines, are sending travel advisories, warning customers to expect significant delays and cancellations and readying rebooking operations for when the weather allows.

Passengers should take these steps now:
1. Check your flight status on your airline’s app or website every few hours.
2. Watch for airline messages by SMS and email.
3. Don’t head to the airport unless your flight is confirmed as operating.
4. Keep proof of bookings handy for rebooking once services resume.
5. Build in extra time after the storm for possible queues and altered gate assignments.

Additional travel notes:
– For tight connections, assume onward travel may shift; regional hub disruptions (northern Philippines, Taiwan) will affect rebalancing.
– The airport recommends travelers avoid non-essential trips to the terminal and use official online tools for flight status and plan changes at www.hongkongairport.com.

Cargo and recovery operations

Cargo operators are bracing for ripple effects. Even a short stoppage can create a backlog, with supply chains feeling the impact for days.

• Temporary storage and rerouting are standard severe-weather plans, but heavy wind and flooding limit safe movement.
• After the storm, the airport typically restarts in phases:
  1. Crew positioning and priority flights to clear stranded passengers
  2. Controlled ramp-up of departures and arrivals
  3. Gradual normalization, which can take another day or more if aircraft/crews are out of place across the region

VisaVerge.com notes that earlier cancellations tend to smooth the restart because fewer passengers are trapped at terminals and fewer aircraft are left exposed on open stands.

Emergency operations and safety priorities

Authorities stress that safety comes first. During peak winds:
– Access roads may be blocked by fallen trees or floods.
– It may not be possible to move replacement crews.
– Emergency staffing plans will keep essential teams in place while non-essential staff remain at home until conditions improve.

The Airport Authority’s general line is +852 2181 8888 for inquiries.

Timeline and decision triggers

• A 36-hour full grounding has not been announced, but that time frame aligns with how Hong Kong handles stronger systems.
• Final decisions will hinge on Ragasa’s exact approach and the timing of any high signal issuance.
• If Signal No. 8 or above is issued (which could come within the next 24 hours depending on the storm), the airport would move immediately into shutdown procedures.

Key takeaways

• The projected impact window for Hong Kong is late September 23 through September 25, with the tightest hazard period likely lasting 24–36 hours.
• Expect proactive airline notifications by SMS and email as schedules are trimmed.
• If you can delay travel, do so. If you must travel, keep your phone charged, monitor official channels closely, and be prepared for last-minute changes.

Official sources for real-time decisions and flight status:
– Hong Kong Observatory: hko.gov.hk
– Hong Kong International Airport: hongkongairport.com

As the city watches Ragasa’s approach, Hong Kong’s storm protocols—shaped by past Super Typhoons—are driving early action: airfield teams are moving assets, airlines are thinning schedules, and passengers are being urged to plan for disruption. If conditions worsen and the signal rises, flight activity will slow to a crawl or stop altogether; if winds ease sooner than expected, the return to normal will be cautious and phased.