Hong Kong Airport: Is It Safe To Fly?

Hong Kong International Airport is considered a safe airport for travellers. The airport has implemented strict security regulations that are in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These include enhanced security screening for liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in hand luggage, as well as metal detectors and hand searches for passengers. The airport also provides clear directional signs in both Chinese and English, making it easy for travellers to navigate. Hong Kong itself is also considered a safe city with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. However, it is always important for travellers to remain vigilant and stay updated with local news and travel advisories.

Crime rate and safety in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. With a population of seven million, there are around 30 homicides a year, usually involving the Triads. The city is safer than the USA, without the issues of trigger-happy police, school shootings, or high-risk traffic.

Hong Kong International Airport is also considered safe, with one source stating that it is "just like any other global airport". However, it is worth noting that some areas of the airport are restricted, and there may be political considerations to take into account. For example, it is advised not to talk negatively about China or the CCP (Chinese Communist Party).

Hong Kong has a unique mix of Chinese and British culture, with Taoist shrines and skyscrapers, seafood markets, and chic restaurants. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with efficient public transportation. The highlight for most travellers is Victoria Harbour, with its glass towers and leafy mountains. Hong Kong also has a good healthcare system.

In terms of safety, it is recommended to stay vigilant and regularly check local news sources, as pro-democracy protests have been known to shake up the city. However, this unrest usually does not affect visitors.

Security screening at the airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has strict security regulations in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Preparation at the Check-in Counter

• Do not pack restricted articles, dangerous goods, or any prohibited items in your checked or hand baggage, or carry them on your person. This includes flammable liquids, corrosive substances, gas cylinders, and spare lithium batteries.
• All liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in hand baggage should be in containers no larger than 100ml and packed in a transparent resealable plastic bag with a capacity of 1 litre or less. Only one plastic bag per passenger is permitted. Exemptions may be made for medications, baby food, and special dietary requirements, but these may be subject to verification. Any LAGs that do not meet the requirements must be disposed of before security screening.
• Have your boarding pass and travel documents ready before entering the Departures Immigration Hall.
• Electronic and metallic items in your hand baggage or on your person should be placed in a separate tray for the security check.

Security Screening

• Walk through the archway metal detector. You may also be subjected to a hand search.
• For passengers departing for the U.S., additional security measures are required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, particularly regarding electronic devices. Please contact your airline for details.
• Passengers aged 11 or above holding electronic travel documents can use the e-Security Gates. Those requiring assistance should proceed to the Assisted Channels.

Additional Information

• Individual destinations or airlines may have different requirements for the carriage of LAGs. Please check with your airline or travel agent in advance.
• For more information, refer to the FAQs for Taking LAGs Through Security and Aviation Safety and Security Requirements on the Hong Kong International Airport website.

US State Department travel warnings

The US State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Hong Kong, specifically the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), due to COVID-19-related restrictions and the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The advisory was reissued on July 19, 2022, with updates regarding exit bans, quarantine, and wrongful detention.

COVID-19-Related Restrictions:

• The zero-tolerance approach to COVID-19 by the PRC and Hong Kong governments severely impacts travel and access to public services.
• Travelers should prepare to quarantine at a government-designated location for a minimum of 14 days upon arrival and be tested daily.
• Travelers who test positive will be transferred to a government-designated medical facility, where standards of care and accommodations may differ significantly from those in the US.
• Even after completing the initial quarantine, travelers may face additional quarantines, mandatory testing, movement restrictions, and limited access to medical services and public transportation.
• Children who test positive may be separated from their parents and kept in isolation until they meet hospital discharge requirements.
• Lockdowns or "dynamic static management of COVID-19 risks" can occur with little notice and may last for extended periods, restricting movement and access to essential services.

Risk of Arbitrary Enforcement of Local Laws:

• The PRC government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including carrying out wrongful detentions and using exit bans on US citizens and other foreign nationals without a fair and transparent process.
• US citizens may be detained without access to US consular services or information about their alleged crimes, and they may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process.
• Foreigners, including businesspeople, journalists, and former foreign government personnel, have been unjustly interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws.
• Security personnel may detain and/or deport US citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC government.
• The National Security Law, imposed on June 30, 2020, allows the PRC to unilaterally and arbitrarily exercise police and security power in Hong Kong, targeting a broad range of activities it defines as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities.
• Participating in demonstrations or activities that authorities interpret as constituting the aforementioned acts could result in criminal charges.
• A PRC propaganda campaign has falsely accused individuals, including US citizens, of fomenting unrest in Hong Kong, publishing their personal information, and resulting in threats of violence on social media.

Recommendations:

• Read the Department of State's COVID-19 page and country information pages for the PRC and Hong Kong SAR before planning travel.
• Monitor local media, transportation sites and apps, and the Hong Kong International Airport website for updates.
• Avoid the areas of demonstrations and keep a low profile.
• Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Review your Hong Kong flight status with your airline or at the airport website.
• Enter the PRC with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
• If arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the US Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Getting to and from the airport

Getting to and from Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport is located in Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island. The airport is well-connected to downtown Hong Kong and other destinations through various transport options. Here are the different ways to get to and from the airport:

Airport Express Train

The Airport Express train is the quickest way to travel between the airport and the city. It takes approximately 24 minutes to reach Central Hong Kong, with trains running every 10 to 12 minutes from 05:54 to 00:48 daily. Fares for a one-way ticket to Hong Kong Station are HK$115 for adults and HK$57.50 for children. Tickets to Kowloon Station are slightly cheaper, costing HK$105 for adults and HK$52.50 for children. The Airport Express trains also connect to the AsiaWorld-Expo Station, with tickets costing around HK$6 for adults and HK$6 for children.

Public Bus

There are nine Airbus (A) routes that operate to and from the airport, with fewer stops compared to ordinary buses. Bus fares typically range between HK$14 and HK$48, depending on the destination and bus service provider. The buses stop at major hotels throughout Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, making it a convenient and affordable option.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the taxi pick-up area in front of the Arrivals Hall. It is important to note that taxis in Hong Kong are colour-coded based on their operating zones. Red taxis operate across most of Hong Kong Island, green taxis mainly serve the north-eastern part of Hong Kong and the north-western area of the New Territories, while blue-coded taxis service Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok.

Hotel Shuttle Bus

Many hotels offer shuttle bus services to and from the airport or to the closest Airport Express station. This can be a convenient option for travellers staying at specific hotels.

Mainland China Motorcoach Bus Service

The airport provides ground transportation to Mainland China and cities in the Pearl River Delta. However, passengers are required to have a valid travel document for entering mainland China before boarding these buses. It is recommended to check with the local Chinese embassy or consulate for the necessary documentation.

High-Speed Ferry

Several cities in Mainland China, including Macau and Shenzhen, are connected to the airport by high-speed ferries. Tickets can be purchased from the ticketing desks on the 5th floor of the airport's arrival terminal, before the immigration counters. A bus will then transport passengers to the Skypier for their ferry connection.

Things to do during a layover

Hong Kong Airport is considered very safe, with strict security regulations in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The airport is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, with excellent amenities and entertainment.

If you have a long layover, here are some things to do:

2-Hour Layover:

If you only have a 2-3 hour layover, it is recommended to stay at the airport. Hong Kong International Airport has a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as entertainment facilities such as the UA IMAX Theatre and Aviation Discovery Centre.

4-Hour Layover:

If you love shopping, you can visit two malls near the airport: Citygate Outlets and Maritime Square. Citygate Outlets is the largest outlet mall in Hong Kong, offering discounts of 30%-70% on over 90 international brands. It can be reached in about 10 minutes via the S1 or S64 bus services. Maritime Square is a unique ocean-themed mall with over a hundred shops and restaurants, and it takes about 35 minutes to get there via the Airport Express to Tsing Yi Railway Station.

6-Hour Layover:

With 6 hours to spare, you can visit two of Hong Kong's most popular attractions:

• Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island: This famous Buddhist monastery is known for having the world's largest sitting Buddha statue. You can enjoy a scenic cable car ride and go hiking. It takes about 29 kilometres to get there from the airport via subway.
• Victoria Harbour and the Star Ferry: Take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, then ride the Star Ferry at Victoria Harbour to admire the iconic Hong Kong skyline. You can also walk along the Avenue of Stars and catch the Symphony of Lights light show in the evening.

8-Hour Layover:

With 8 hours to spare, you can explore downtown Hong Kong and do some sightseeing. Victoria Peak is a must-see attraction, offering a panoramic view of the harbour. You can take the tram or a taxi up to the peak and enjoy the views.

12-Hour Layover:

With a 12-hour layover, you can explore more of Hong Kong's highlights:

• Take a junk trip to a fishing village at Aberdeen and enjoy lunch in a floating restaurant.
• Taste dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the IFC Mall in Central.
• Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple if you're interested in Chinese culture.
• Shop at street markets such as Stanley Market in Stanley or Ladies' Market in Mong Kok.
• Explore Hong Kong's nightlife at the Temple Street Night Market or the bar and club district, Lan Kwai Fong (LKF).

Frequently asked questions