Jazmin Li
The presence of coronavirus in Hong Kong airport has been a concern for travellers since the pandemic began. In April 2020, Hong Kong International Airport became the first airport in the world to test every arriving passenger for coronavirus, whether they were exhibiting symptoms or not. This was done through ''deep throat saliva' samples, and all travellers were also required to undergo a 14-day compulsory quarantine. In May 2020, the airport implemented additional measures such as body temperature screening, hand sanitiser dispensers, and sanitising floor mats. The airport also saw a significant decrease in passenger traffic, with a year-on-year decline of 11.7% in January 2020. As of June 2020, the airport had gradually resumed services, including transit passengers, and implemented full-body disinfectant machines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of passengers in January | 5.7 million |
| Percentage decrease in passengers year-on-year | 11.7% |
| Percentage decrease in cargo handled year-on-year | 10.4% |
| Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hong Kong | 1,065 |
| Number of deaths in Hong Kong | 4 |
| Number of days without new cases | 11 |
| Date Hong Kong airport will welcome transit passengers | June 1 |
| Date nightclubs, karaoke parlors, and party rooms in Hong Kong will re-open | May 28 |
| Number of flights per week operated by Cathay Pacific in April | A handful |
| Number of flights per week to be operated by Cathay Pacific from June 21 | 5 |
| Number of destinations served by Cathay Pacific in April | A dozen |
| Number of passengers tested for coronavirus at Hong Kong airport | All |
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What You'll Learn
- Hong Kong International Airport was the first airport in the world to test all incoming travellers for coronavirus
- Travellers who landed at the airport were forced to self-quarantine for 14 days
- The airport has full-body disinfectant machines, hand sanitiser dispensers, and sanitising floor mats
- The airport suffered its worst January in five years, with an 11.7% decrease in passengers
- The airport is gradually resuming services, with transit passengers allowed from June 1, 2020
Hong Kong International Airport was the first airport in the world to test all incoming travellers for coronavirus
As of April 8, 2020, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) became the first airport in the world to test every incoming traveller for coronavirus. This mandate, announced by the Hong Kong government, requires all travellers to board shuttle buses to a temporary "specimen collection centre" set up by the Hong Kong health department. Here, samples of their "deep throat saliva" are collected for testing.
The airport has also introduced high-tech "sterilisation robots" to continually clean surfaces, and all arrivals must pass through the "CleanTech" system, which includes temperature checks and disinfection measures. In addition, travellers from certain countries must provide evidence of a negative Covid test, and the airport's physical environment has been redesigned to ensure maximum distancing and safety for staff.
HKIA is one of several aviation bodies to announce it is stepping up safety procedures due to the coronavirus crisis. Los Angeles International Airport, for example, has committed to cleaning public areas and restrooms at least once per hour, while Emirates Airlines has begun carrying out Covid-19 blood tests on passengers before boarding.
Hong Kong's quarantine and testing rules are among the most complex in the world. All arrivals must respect a mandatory 21-day quarantine period if not vaccinated or a 14-day quarantine if they are. Face masks must be worn within the airport site, and floor markings have been provided to make social distancing easier.
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Travellers who landed at the airport were forced to self-quarantine for 14 days
Hong Kong International Airport has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the city began lifting travel restrictions, one of the critical steps taken was mandating self-quarantine for travellers arriving at the airport. This measure was in place for a period of time during the pandemic and played a role in Hong Kong's overall response to the crisis.
The self-quarantine requirement applied to all travellers landing at Hong Kong International Airport, regardless of their origin or symptoms. Travellers were compelled to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine period after their arrival. This precautionary step was designed to mitigate the risk of virus transmission and protect the health of both the arriving individuals and the wider community.
The implementation of the self-quarantine mandate was a significant aspect of Hong Kong's strategy to manage the coronavirus situation. While the city did not impose a complete lockdown, various restrictions were put in place to curb the spread of the virus. These measures included a temporary ban on gatherings of more than eight people, which was lifted as part of the gradual reopening process.
During the early stages of the pandemic, Hong Kong International Airport experienced a notable decrease in passenger traffic. In January 2020, the airport witnessed an 11.7% year-on-year decline in passenger numbers, with 5.7 million passengers passing through. This reduction in traffic was attributed to factors including the ongoing health crisis and related travel restrictions.
As the situation evolved, Hong Kong International Airport adapted its procedures to balance health concerns with the resumption of travel. Starting June 1, 2020, the airport resumed transit services, allowing passengers to make connecting flights. This move provided relief to airlines like Cathay Pacific, which had been significantly impacted by the pandemic. The airport also introduced full-body disinfectant machines as an additional safety measure for passengers.
The self-quarantine mandate for arriving travellers at Hong Kong International Airport reflected the city's proactive approach to managing the pandemic. By enforcing this measure, along with other health and safety protocols, Hong Kong sought to protect its residents and visitors while gradually reopening its economy and resuming travel-related activities.
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The airport has full-body disinfectant machines, hand sanitiser dispensers, and sanitising floor mats
The Hong Kong International Airport has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. One notable precaution is the introduction of full-body disinfectant machines, which are designed to clean passengers' clothing and bodies. These machines were tested as early as June 2020, when the airport began its gradual reopening. The airport also has hand sanitiser dispensers and sanitising floor mats available at each arrival gate and throughout the entire terminal. These measures provide passengers and staff with easy access to sanitation, helping to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
The implementation of these disinfectant measures is part of Hong Kong's comprehensive approach to resuming daily activities and boosting its economy while managing the pandemic. The airport plays a crucial role in this process, as it serves as a major international aviation hub. To protect the health and safety of everyone passing through, the airport has worked closely with the government, airlines, and business partners to establish a set of strict protocols.
One notable protocol is the mandatory testing of all incoming travellers, including those in transit. This measure was announced by the Hong Kong government in April 2020, making the airport the first in the world to enact such a comprehensive testing policy. All travellers, regardless of their origin or symptoms, are required to undergo 'body temperature screening' and provide samples for coronavirus testing. Those arriving from high-risk areas, such as Hubei, may also be required to undergo compulsory quarantine and provide additional samples during their isolation period.
The combination of full-body disinfectant machines, hand sanitiser dispensers, and sanitising floor mats, along with mandatory testing and temperature checks, showcases Hong Kong International Airport's commitment to creating a safe and hygienic environment for all. These measures provide multiple layers of protection against the spread of COVID-19 and help reassure passengers and staff that their well-being is a top priority.
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The airport suffered its worst January in five years, with an 11.7% decrease in passengers
The Hong Kong International Airport suffered its worst January in five years, with 5.7 million passengers passing through, a decrease of 11.7% year on year. The amount of cargo handled also fell by 10.4%. This decrease in traffic has been attributed to both the ongoing protests and the coronavirus outbreak.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Hong Kong introduced many restrictions. The Hong Kong government lifted its overall ban on gatherings of more than eight people, and restaurants were allowed to reopen with certain requirements, such as taking the temperature of anyone entering and requiring customers to wear masks when not eating or drinking.
Hong Kong International Airport also implemented several health and safety measures, becoming the first airport in the world to test all arriving airline passengers for coronavirus. This was done through the collection of deep throat saliva samples. The airport also introduced full-body disinfectant machines, enhanced disinfection protocols, robot-assisted cleaning, and temperature checks for departing passengers. Other measures included hand sanitiser dispensers and sanitising floor mats available at each arrival gate and throughout the terminal. Transit passengers were instructed to proceed directly to their boarding gates and to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
The impact of these restrictions was significant for airlines operating out of Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific, for example, experienced a 99.6% decrease in flight services compared to the previous year. However, the airline planned a slow but steady rebuild of its international network, gradually resuming services and connections.
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The airport is gradually resuming services, with transit passengers allowed from June 1, 2020
Hong Kong International Airport is taking steps to resume services, with transit passengers allowed from 1 June 2020. The airport will be resuming services gradually, with enhanced safety measures in place.
Previously, Hong Kong had not gone into complete lockdown, but there were many restrictions in place. The Hong Kong government had imposed a ban on gatherings of more than eight people, which was lifted recently. Restaurants have also been allowed to welcome customers, but they are required to take the temperature of anyone entering and customers must wear masks unless eating or drinking.
The airport has implemented several health and safety measures to ensure the smooth resumption of services and the safety of passengers and staff. All incoming travellers to the airport will be screened for coronavirus, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms or not. This includes body temperature screening for all passengers, including those in transit. Hand sanitiser dispensers and sanitising floor mats are available at each arrival gate and throughout the terminal. The airport has also introduced full-body disinfectant machines to clean passengers' clothing and bodies.
Transit passengers will experience some changes when changing flights at Hong Kong Airport. They will be handed stickers at transfer points and requested to proceed directly to the boarding gates for their connecting flights. While this instruction is phrased as a request, it appears to contradict the airport's advice that designated dining areas are available for transit passengers. Transit passengers with lounge access should have no problem visiting a lounge, such as Cathay Pacific's The Wing lounge near gates 1-4.
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Frequently asked questions
Hong Kong airport implemented several safety measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff. These include enhanced disinfection protocols, robot-assisted cleaning, temperature checks, hand sanitiser dispensers, sanitising floor mats, and full-body disinfectant machines. As of April 8, 2020, all incoming travellers to the airport were also screened for coronavirus, regardless of whether they exhibited symptoms or not.
Transit passengers will be handed stickers at transfer points and are requested to go directly to the boarding gates for their connecting flights. They are also allowed to visit designated dining areas and airport lounges.
All incoming travellers to Hong Kong, including those from mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan, are required to undergo a 14-day compulsory quarantine.
In January 2020, passenger traffic at Hong Kong airport decreased by 11.7% year on year, with 5.7 million passengers passing through. The airport also experienced a significant decline in the number of flights, with Cathay Pacific reporting a 99.6% decrease in flight services in April 2020 compared to the previous year.
