Hong Kong Typhoon Ragasa: Flights cancelled, airport shutdown as most powerful storm on Earth moves in
Super Typhoon Ragasa, also known as Typhoon No. 18, which is measuring as the most powerful storm on Earth for 2025 so far, is moving toward Hong Kong.
As the country braces for the mega-storm to hit, flights through one of the world’s busiest airports, Hong Kong International Airport (HGK), are being cancelled, with the terminal scheduled for a 36-hour shutdown in the coming hours.
Wind speeds from Super Typhoon Ragasa have so far reached highs of 270km/h. The storm is the equivalent of a category 5.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The super typhoon is currently in the South China Sea, on a direct route to central Hong Kong, moving at a pace of 22km/h.
“Ragasa has an extensive circulation with fierce winds, posing a severe threat,” the Hong Kong Observatory warned on Tuesday morning.
“According to the present forecast, Ragasa will maintain super typhoon intensity.”
The system is expected to hit Hong Kong on Wednesday morning, with the typhoon at its closest point around 8am AEST.
Ragasa hit northern areas of the Philippines and Taiwan before it moved deeper into the South China Sea.
At least one motorist was killed and several were injured when a landslide occurred along a highway in Tuba, due to the Super Typhoon Ragasa, locally known as Nando.
The Coast Guard in the Philippines was brought in to conduct multiple rescues.
Severe winds, flooding, storm surges and lashing rain hit multiple areas as it moved through.
In Hong Kong, long queues formed at supermarkets where products like milk had already sold out, while vegetables were being sold for more than triple their usual price at fresh markets, according to Reuters witnesses.
Flight cancellations as Ragasa moves in
Hong Kong has announced a 36-hour airport shutdown starting Tuesday evening, while Macau and Zhuhai are bracing for impact, with school closures and evacuation plans underway.
Qantas has cancelled all flights in and out of Hong Kong during the shutdown, affecting 8 services.
Hong Kong’s airport would be closed from 10pm AEST on September 23 to 6pm AEST on September 25, Qantas said in a statement, adding it would contact customers who were affected.
Other airlines have cancelled flights in and out of Hong Kong, with other flights to nearby Asian airports also hit with cancellations due to weather conditions and the flow on effect of reduced flights.
Cathay Pacific, which is based in Hong Kong, is preparing to cancel around 500 flights in total.
“We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of our colleagues and operations,” the airline said in a statement.
“At the same time, we will have sufficient resources in place to resume flight operations once the storm passes.”
Smartraveller advice for Australians
“A typhoon warning is in effect for Hong Kong. Super Typhoon Ragasa is forecast to pass near Hong Kong over the coming days,” Smartraveller said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge may cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
“If you’re in the affected areas, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
“Travel disruptions may occur, including flight and ferry service cancellations.”
More to come...
- with Reuters.
