Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is resuming transit services starting from June, after two months of suspension in an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus. Does it mean HK is reopening? Let’s check the latest info.
TRANSIT SERVICES ARE BACK
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has, from June 1, resumed allowing some transit passengers to use the airport.
According to the airport’s notice, from 1 June 2020 until further notice, only transit/transfer passengers who have been checked through at the origin port and take transit/transfer flights operated by the same airline group are accepted at HKIA.
The opening up will be operated gradually. Transit through the airport to and from the mainland will not be allowed in the first phase.
The no-entry restriction for non-Hong Kong residents from overseas remains unchanged according to Hong Kong SAR Government. Here are the detailed measures effective from March 25:
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All non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries/regions by plane will be denied entry to Hong Kong.
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All non-Hong Kong residents coming from the Mainland, Macao and Taiwan will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine after entering Hong Kong, but entry will be denied if any non-Hong Kong resident has been to any overseas countries/regions in the 14 days prior to arrival in Hong Kong.
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Cross-boundary land transport and cross-boundary ferry transfer services are suspended for all passengers at Hong Kong International Airport.
MANDATORY QUARANTINE EXTENDED
Speaking of the quarantine measures, Hong Kong will extend mandatory quarantine for all inbound travelers from the mainland, Macao and Taiwan that was set to expire Sunday for another month to July 7.
At a press conference yesterday afternoon, the city’s Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan announced the extension, saying the city government is considering relaxing restrictions on arrivals from outside in a bid to exchange economic activities.
As regards arrivals from foreign countries and regions, the city will extend mandatory quarantine for them that will expire June 18 for three months to Sept 18.
Starting from Feb 8, Hong Kong has been requiring all inbound travelers entering Hong Kong from the mainland, including both Hong Kong residents and non-Hong Kong residents, to undergo a mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
According to Chan, certain groups of people can be exempted, including cross-boundary students and businessmen. Detailed measures will be released soon.
