The Japanese Government announced yesterday that passenger flights from Hong Kong will only be allowed to land at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport and Chubu Airport and that relevant airlines are requested not to increase the number of passenger flights from Hong Kong to Japan starting this Friday.
However, flights of Hong Kong airlines can still carry passengers back to Hong Kong from various airports in Japan, without being limited to the abovementioned four airports.
Around 250 outbound flights of Hong Kong airlines will be affected between 30 December 2022 and the end of January 2023, affecting around 60000 passengers. A total of over 150 tour groups, involving about 4000 travellers are affected by Japan's decision.
In a press release, the HKSAR Government said that it is highly concerned by Japan's decision and is following up on the incident on multiple fronts to ensure the smooth return of Hong Kong people from Japan.
The government has also written to the Japanese authority, liaised with the Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong, arranged an urgent video conference with the authority's representatives, and expressed its grave concern and strong request that the restrictions be lifted.
The affected local airlines and the government have been in close communication, and the airlines have been urged to make suitable arrangements for the affected passengers.
It has been learned that passengers are provided options to change bookings or obtain refunds. Airlines will also arrange flights to carry Hong Kong people in Japan to return to Hong Kong from 30 December.