Hong Kong Airport to resume transfer & transit services for passengers from Mainland airports

CHINA (HONG KONG). Transfer/transit services at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for passengers from airports in Mainland China will resume with effect from 15 August until 15 October.

However, transfer/transit services to destinations in Mainland China will remain unavailable at HKIA.

A positive step forward though transfer/transit passengers will be given stickers at transfer points for identification purpose and are requested to go directly to the boarding gates for their connecting flights immediately

The enhanced measures at HKIA introduced upon resumption of transfer/transit services which began on 1 June will remain effective and applicable to all origins and destinations. These include the requirement that transfer/transit flights operated by different airline groups must be booked under the same air ticket, and that passengers are checked through with both boarding passes printed and baggage tagged-through to final destination.

The layover time of the transfer/transit passengers at HKIA must be within 24 hours. Passengers should also confirm in advance that they are able to enter the final destination.

With regard to specific entry and health-related regulations imposed by other jurisdictions, airlines must ensure that, before boarding, passengers meet the immigration and health quarantine requirements of their final destinations. They must also comply with the transfer/transit requirements at HKIA, in order to avoid passengers being stranded at the airport.

Airport Authority Hong Kong said that the resumption of transfer/transit services at HKIA starting 1 June has been implemented in a gradual and coordinated manner, having due regard to the need for public health protection with close monitoring of the ongoing situation taking into account evolving circumstances. Airport Authority Hong Kong has implemented a host of enhanced health measures at HKIA, as detailed below:

• All passengers, including departing, arriving and transfer/transit passengers, as well as airport staff are required to wear face masks at all times at HKIA;
• All transfer/transit and arriving passengers must undergo body temperature screening upon arrival;
• To further minimise the risk of transmission and contact, transfer/transit passengers will be given stickers at transfer points for identification purpose and they are requested to go directly to the boarding gates for their connecting flights immediately. Designated seating areas at each boarding gate and designated dining areas are set up for transfer/transit passengers;
• Frontline airport staff will maintain appropriate social distancing from passengers.

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