Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific has welcomed Hong Kong’s decision to loosen hotel quarantine requirements for overseas passengers but also called for a plan for the complete removal of all travel restrictions when possible.
“Cathay Pacific welcomes the Hong Kong SAR Government’s announcement today regarding adjustments to the hotel quarantine arrangement for inbound arrivals entering Hong Kong, effective from 12 August,” a spokesperson for Cathay Pacific told AeroTime in an emailed statement.
Cathay added: “We are asking the Government to urgently provide a clear roadmap showing the complete removal of all COVID-related restrictions for aircrew and passengers as soon as is feasible to protect Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status.”
Hong Kong will ease hotel quarantine from seven to three days, the city’s leader John Lee revealed on August 8, 2022.
In addition to a three-day hotel quarantine, overseas passengers will also be subject to a four-day “medical surveillance” at home or at a hotel. During these four days, travelers will not be able to enter places such as gyms or restaurants.
Previously, incoming passengers had to self-isolate for three weeks.
Cathay Pacific has been among the worst hit worldwide by strict COVID-19 travel restrictions in Hong Kong and mainland China.
In June 2022, the airline carried more than 150,000 passengers, an increase of 269.2% compared to June 2021, but a 95.2% decrease compared to the pre-pandemic levels in June 2019.