Cathay Pacific to Cancel Over 500 Flights Ahead of Super Typhoon Ragasa Impact on Hong Kong

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific has announced the anticipated cancellation of more than 500 flights in response to the imminent arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is forecast to affect the Chinese financial hub. The airline stated that starting from 6:00 pm on September 23, all passenger flights arriving at and departing from Hong Kong International Airport will be suspended until daytime operations resume on Thursday.

At a Monday press briefing, a Cathay Pacific spokeswoman confirmed the extensive flight disruptions due to the severe weather threat. Ragasa is currently moving westward across the Luzon Strait, situated between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines, with expected landfall in Hong Kong and southern China on Tuesday.

The Philippine national weather service reported sustained winds reaching 215 kilometres per hour at the storm’s center, with gusts up to 265 kph as of 11:00 am local time (03:00 GMT). Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory predicted "gale to storm force winds" and alerted residents of frequent heavy squalls and significant storm surges on Wednesday.

In preparation for the typhoon, local authorities have planned the deployment of sandbags and flood barriers in vulnerable coastal communities. The Education Bureau declared that all schools would be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure student safety.

Additionally, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority confirmed that public hospitals have enacted special protocols designed to maintain uninterrupted emergency services throughout the storm period.

The combined measures reflect a comprehensive effort to mitigate the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa on the city’s infrastructure and population.