Hong Kong Nation International Airport Closes

The United Kingdom, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FOC) travel office, issued an updated travel advisory regarding the cancellation of flights out of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China’s international airport.

On August 12, 2019, the FOC issued an updated travel advisory saying ‘protests at Hong Kong Airport has resulted in the cancellation of all flights out of Hong Kong. 

And, ‘airport authorities advise members of the public not to travel to the airport.’ 

The UK’s travel office says ‘Passengers should check their flight status on the Hong Kong International Airport website’

The Hong Kong airport is also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport to distinguish it from its predecessor, the former Kai Tak Airport.

Additionally, the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau issued a ‘Demonstration Alert’ on August 12th.  

These are important announcements since 65.1 million people visited Hong Kong during 2018.

The vast majority of these Hong Kong visitors (51m) were from mainland China.  This is a significant increase from the 8.47 million China-based visitors in 2003, reported South China Morning Post. 

The UK’s travel advisory on August 12th continued saying,’ In recent weeks, several large-scale political demonstrations have taken place on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and various suburbs in the New Territories. 

‘Reports indicate the protests are likely to continue.’

‘Hong Kong visitors should be prepared that the situation around protests and public gatherings could change quickly, with the potential for significant violence. If you are in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and move away quickly to a safe place if there are signs of a disorder.’

‘Demonstrations may lead to sections of the city being closed off and strikes by public transport workers will significantly disrupt services. In recent protests, bus routes, train stations, the Airport Express and the Hong Kong Macao Ferry Terminal have temporarily suspended operations without warning.

Previously, on August 7th, multiple travel alerts were issued for Hong Kong by the US Department of State, and the Australian, Canadian and UK governments.

Regarding health risks when visiting Hong Kong, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested on July 18, 2019, that visitors are current with certain vaccines, such as Routine Vaccines and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Hong Kong is included in the CDC’s Global Measles Outbreak Notice, which was issued on June 10, 2019.

Furthermore, the CDC says there are health risks related to the vaccine-preventable diseases, such as Hepatitis A virus and Typhoid. 

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report vaccine side effects to the CDC.

Pre-departure vaccination services, related travel medications, and counseling appointments can be scheduled with a local pharmacy by visiting Vax-Before-Travel.

U.S. citizens needing assistance can contact the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau, which is located at 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.