Hong Kong Braces for Super Typhoon Koinu: Airport Considers Extensive 36-Hour Shutdown

Hong Kong is on high alert as Super Typhoon Koinu rapidly approaches, prompting officials at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to seriously consider an unprecedented 36-hour closure. This potential shutdown, aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and staff, underscores the severity of the impending weather event and its potential to cause massive disruption across the region's air travel network.

As of late Friday, meteorological agencies have issued dire warnings, indicating that Koinu is expected to make landfall or pass very close to Hong Kong with formidable winds and torrential rainfall.

The decision to contemplate such a lengthy closure reflects the lessons learned from previous typhoons, where unpreparedness led to significant operational challenges and safety concerns.

A spokesperson for the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) confirmed that contingency plans are being meticulously reviewed, including the possibility of halting all flight operations for an extended period.

This would be a proactive measure to prevent aircraft from being caught in dangerous conditions and to safeguard ground crew during the peak of the storm. Travelers with flights scheduled over the weekend and early next week are strongly advised to monitor airline announcements and the HKIA website for real-time updates.

Airlines operating out of HKIA have already begun to adjust their schedules, with many preemptively canceling flights or re-routing them to avoid the typhoon's path.

Passengers are urged to contact their respective airlines directly before heading to the airport. The potential 36-hour closure would impact hundreds of flights, affecting tens of thousands of travelers and having significant economic repercussions for the aviation sector.

Beyond the airport, Hong Kong's MTR (Mass Transit Railway) and other public transport operators are also preparing for potential service disruptions.

Local authorities are urging residents to take all necessary precautions, secure loose outdoor items, and stay indoors once the typhoon warnings are raised to higher levels. The city is collectively bracing for what could be one of the most impactful typhoons in recent memory, with public safety remaining the paramount concern.