Holidaymakers Delighted Over Eased Curbs By Japan

Hongkongers on Friday were delighted to be able to fly to Japan after it looked like earlier that their travel plans were dashed due to flight restrictions limiting arrivals from the SAR to four airports in the country.

Flights to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa were able to resume after the Japanese government eased restrictions and allowed planes from Hong Kong to land in airports other than those in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.

People flying to Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa must declare that they have not been to the mainland within seven days of departure.

One of the travellers, Ethan, said he's happy to be going to Okinawa after it appeared that his trip would be called off.

"I'm really thankful that the Japanese government sorted it out for us and hoping that we're going to have a fun adventure," he said.

"We put so much effort into this trip. I don't know what will happen if it gets cancelled again."

A holidaymaker surnamed Lai, who set off for Hokkaido, was also among those who thought their travel plans would be ruined.

"When I learned that I might not be able to travel two days ago, I was caught off guard and didn't know what to do. I have thought of cancelling my trip. But in the end, Cathay Pacific said the flight was resumed, and I packed my bags last night... It's like a roller-coaster ride," he said.

Steve Huen, executive director of travel agency EGL Tours, said a number of tour groups that had been forced to cancel, affecting a total of 200 to 300 people, could now resume.

On an RTHK programme, he also questioned how Japanese authorities would enforce the requirement for passengers not having been to the mainland.

"I believe the declaration is just a gesture... Of course, if you have been to the mainland in the previous seven days and make a false declaration to get on the flight, there will be consequences, but we can't see how authorities will check it," he said.