Hong Kong:  Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is preparing for a possible 36-hour suspension of passenger flights as Super Typhoon Ragasa moves closer to the city, threatening to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall across the region.

According to reports, airport authorities are planning to halt passenger services from 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday until 6:00 a.m. on Thursday. The decision, though not yet officially announced, would mark one of the longest airport shutdowns in recent years due to a tropical cyclone. Cargo operations are also expected to be disrupted, though officials are still finalizing details.

The Hong Kong Observatory is set to hoist its first precautionary signal by noon on Monday, with higher-level storm warnings anticipated as the typhoon approaches. Forecasts suggest Ragasa, currently classified as a super typhoon, may sustain winds between 202 and 220 kilometers per hour. The storm is expected to skirt Hong Kong before making landfall in China’s Guangdong Province.

Airlines have already begun taking precautionary measures. Qantas announced that passengers traveling between September 23 and 25 can reschedule flights without additional charges or opt for travel credits. Other carriers are expected to issue similar advisories as the shutdown draws closer.

The planned suspension is significantly longer than recent weather-related disruptions. In 2023, Typhoon Saola forced the airport to close for about 20 hours, while Typhoon Wipha earlier this year caused a shorter shutdown.

Authorities have warned that travelers may face major delays, with thousands potentially stranded during the shutdown period. Transportation, lodging, and essential services in and around the airport are expected to come under heavy strain.

Officials stressed that the precautionary measures are aimed at ensuring public safety as Hong Kong braces for one of the strongest storms of the season.