As the world transitions towards normalcy after the Covid-19 pandemic, the global air travel landscape is witnessing significant revival. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates airlines to accommodate approximately 4.35 billion passengers worldwide in 2023, nearing the pre-pandemic peak of 4.54 billion in 2019. Amidst this rebound, numerous Hong Kong residents are jet-setting towards popular destinations like Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and far-flung spots in Europe and North America.
Nevertheless, despite the restoration of flights to major locales, several air routes remain in hibernation. The IATA estimates that passenger traffic levels at Hong Kong International Airport will only recover to pre-pandemic levels by late 2024. Let’s explore some key international destinations where direct flights to and from Hong Kong are still to be reinstated or are currently limited.
- Japan: This popular vacation spot for Hong Kong travelers lifted its restrictions on the maximum number of flights from Hong Kong in March. Currently, direct flights are operating to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya. However, for less mainstream destinations like Hiroshima or Ishigaki Island, travelers may have to wait until late October for non-stop flights to recommence.
- South Korea: After the South Korean government revoked its mandate in March requiring all incoming flights from Hong Kong to land at Incheon International Airport, direct flights to tourist hotspots like Jeju Island and Busan resumed. Still, as of now, Hong Kong Express remains the sole carrier operating these routes.
- Thailand: While airlines provide abundant flight options between Hong Kong and popular Thai destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket, flights to certain locations are yet to resume. Notably, nonstop services to Koh Samui recommenced on July 1, while direct flights to Chiang Rai remain on hold.
- North America: Long-haul flights to several U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston were operational throughout much of the pandemic. However, routes to other cities, including Chicago and Seattle, have been discontinued, requiring transit via one of the four active hubs. Similarly, travel to cities like Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta demands a layover. Direct flights to Canadian cities Toronto and Vancouver, on the other hand, were reinstated earlier.
- Other Destinations: Nonstop services to several European cities, including London, Manchester, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Madrid have resumed, but direct flights to Rome, Copenhagen, or Barcelona are still pending. In Australia, despite the resumption of flights to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, Adelaide, which previously had daily flights from Hong Kong, still awaits service restoration. While direct flights to Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have resumed, daily flights to Chennai and services to Kolkata remain suspended. Lastly, while nonstop flights to Dubai and Doha have recommenced, there are currently no direct flights scheduled between Hong Kong and Riyadh.
As we venture into the post-pandemic world, the restoration of these dormant routes is eagerly awaited, promising to unlock further travel opportunities from Hong Kong to these exciting destinations.
READ MORE: