Airport Resumes Mainland Transits – But Only One Way

Travellers from mainland cities will be able to transit in Hong Kong to flights elsewhere from Saturday – but they'll have to make alternative plans if they want to return to the mainland.

Hong Kong International Airport resumed transit services on June 1 with several conditions in place, including a requirement to complete transfers within 24 hours and demonstrate that they will be allowed in to their destination.

In a statement late on Wednesday, the airport said the same arrangement would apply for people departing mainland cities, adding: "On the other hand, transfer/transit services to destinations in Mainland China will remain unavailable at HKIA."

The arrangement will stay in place until October 15.

The statement did not state why passengers heading for the mainland would not be able to transit in Hong Kong. However the mainland has imposed strict travel restrictions as it attempts to control Covid-19.

Most foreign passport holders are barred from entering, apart from Korean and Singaporean nationals travelling on business to selected provinces.

Transit passengers face various restrictions at Hong Kong, including being required to go directly to departure gates and use designated areas for seating and dining.

Traveller numbers have dwindled to a fraction of the usual level as the coronavirus pandemic takes hold.