Cathay Pacific Airways has rolled out a comprehensive health roadmap for widening its network including transit flights through Hong Kong.
The airline says that “while the risk of transmission from one passenger to another onboard remains very low, we’re introducing additional requirements for added protection.”
READ: June emerges as the start of airline re-building.
The requirements from the airline are as follows;
Before you fly
In response to COVID-19, we have implemented a number of measures to safeguard the wellbeing of our passengers and crew. While the risk of transmission from one passenger to another onboard remains very low, we’re introducing additional requirements for added protection.
- If you are feeling unwell
We’re unable to accept anyone presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 for travel and therefore ask that you postpone travel if:
- you are feeling unwell with respiratory symptoms, such as a fever, cough, sore throat or muscle aches;
- you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to travel; or
- you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Please note: passengers that have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are required to provide a medical certificate confirming they have recovered and are no longer contagious in order to travel.
- Preflight health declaration
From 29 May 2020, we require passengers to answer health screening questions upon check-in at worldwide airports including Hong Kong.
- Face coverings requirement
From 15 May 2020, passengers are required to wear face coverings in situations where they cannot maintain a physical distance of 2 metres (6.5 feet) from others, or as directed by our airline employees. This includes:
- during check-in;
- in our lounges;
- during boarding;
- in the aircraft cabin; and
- during disembarkation.
It’s also strongly recommended that face coverings are used in high-traffic areas such as security lines and baggage collection areas. Passengers who are unable to tolerate a face covering, including children under six years old, are exempt from this requirement.
We kindly ask that you bring your own appropriate face covering to wear throughout your journey – all types of masks and coverings are suitable.
This requirement will remain mandatory until further notice.
From 1 June 2020, air transit services at Hong Kong International Airport will resume in phases. Passengers travelling with Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon will be able to transit Hong Kong if:
- Their itinerary is contained in a single booking and
- The connection time to their next Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon operated flight is within 8 hours.
Subject to both requirements being met, from 1 June 2020, transit connections will be available between Hong Kong and the destinations that the airline operates flights to.
A health declaration form must be completed and submitted to the Hong Kong Department of Health on arrival. Passengers can submit their details by filling out the online form, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific prior to departure – upon completion, a QR code (valid for 48 hours) will be provided to present to officials on arrival.
All passengers arriving into Hong Kong will be required to undergo a medical test for COVID-19 upon completion of all health, immigration, customs and quarantine clearance requirements.
The test, which involves providing a saliva sample, will be conducted by medical professionals at the Department of Health Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at the Asia World Expo building. Passengers will receive directions and assistance when leaving the baggage claim area. Additionally, passengers will be required to wait for their test results.
Quarantine measures
The latest compulsory quarantine requirements for all passengers can be found on the Hong Kong SAR Government’s COVID-19 website.
Transit restrictions
In this first phase, transiting to and from destinations in mainland China is not available.
All sea-to-air ferry services (Greater Bay Area to Hong Kong) and air-to-sea ferry services (Hong Kong to Greater Bay Area) are also suspended.
New Flight bookings
Please note that we are currently updating our booking systems to reflect the new transit requirements, which will be made available as soon as possible. We apologise if you cannot book your desired itinerary immediately.
