Travel chaos gripped Hong Kong on Tuesday (Sept 23) as Super Typhoon Ragasa forced mass flight cancellations and dangerous conditions across the city.
The Airport Authority said a total of 382 flights were canceled and 43 delayed, with airlines scrambling to adjust schedules as the powerful storm approached. Many departures were moved earlier or later to avoid the worst of the typhoon, leaving passengers scrambling to adapt.
Some travelers endured costly and stressful detours. A family of four from mainland China said their ferry trip from Zhongshan Port was canceled due to the storm, forcing them to charter a private ride costing nearly HK$2,000 to make it to Hong Kong International Airport.
Others faced uncertainty even after reaching the terminal. A passenger bound for Seoul said their morning flight was overbooked, pushing them onto a later afternoon departure — though they feared that too could be scrapped. Meanwhile, a traveler to Bangkok said their flight remained on schedule but admitted they were monitoring closely for last-minute changes.
Airlines moved quickly to respond to the disruptions. Cathay Pacific waived rescheduling fees for flights between Tuesday and Thursday (Sept 23–25), while EVA Air canceled all inbound and outbound services for Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting 38 flights.
The storm’s impact was not limited to the skies. At sea, a family of three was rescued near Chai Wan on Tuesday afternoon as Hong Kong remained under a No. 8 typhoon signal. Emergency services pulled a man, a woman, and a young boy from the waters near Ka Yip Street after they reportedly fell in.
The man was conscious when rescued, but the woman and child were found unconscious and required immediate resuscitation before being rushed to Eastern Hospital. Their conditions remain unknown as investigations continue.
Super Typhoon Ragasa is one of the strongest storms to hit the region this season, with authorities urging residents to remain indoors and avoid coastal areas until warnings are lifted.
