'Omicron Emergency' Hong Kong and 150 Countries Including Korea Ban Transit

Operation for One Month Starting from the 15th
Excluding Passengers Related to the Winter Olympics

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Bloomberg reported on the 11th (local time) that Hong Kong, which is on high alert for Omicron, plans to ban transit through Hong Kong for air travelers departing from 150 high-risk COVID-19 countries starting from the 15th.

The news agency cited sources familiar with the matter, stating that Hong Kong airport authorities recently explained this plan to airlines.

The countries classified by Hong Kong as high-risk include 150 countries such as South Korea, and also include eight countries? the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, France, Pakistan, and India?where entry to Hong Kong has been banned since the 7th.

This measure is expected to last for one month from the 15th of this month to the 14th of next month. A source said, "This measure is planned to be implemented temporarily, but the schedule may change after review."

The news agency reported that this is a measure to reduce the risk of infection through airport transit areas as the spread of Omicron within Hong Kong is increasing day by day.

As a result of this measure, Hong Kong’s flagship airline Cathay Pacific is expected to inevitably face impacts such as a reduction in the number of flights.

However, the transit ban will not apply to diplomats, government officials, and Olympic athletes attending the Beijing Winter Olympics, which opens on the 4th of next month.

Hong Kong airport authorities stated in an email release, "We are closely communicating with the airport community regarding measures to strengthen infection control at the airport."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.