© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Passengers walk on arrival at Haneda International Airport, on the first day Japan opened to tourists after two and a half years of closure due to travel restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak
HONG KONG (Reuters) – The Hong Kong government has asked Japan to withdraw COVID-19 restrictions requiring passenger flights from the financial hub to land only at four designated Japanese airports, said This decision will affect about 60,000 passengers.
Japan, the top travel destination for Hong Kongers, said it would limit flights from Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China to Tokyo’s two airports, along with Osaka and Nagoya from Friday. The decision was made during the peak tourist season and ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday starting January 22.
“Approximately 250 outbound flights by Hong Kong airlines will be affected between December 30, 2022 and the end of January 2023, affecting approximately 60,000 passengers,” the government said in a statement late at the time. The forth day.
City leader John Lee said the government has expressed frustration with the Japanese government.
“We think that Hong Kong people should be allowed to use more than just these four airports,” Lee said.
Flights by Hong Kong airlines can still carry passengers back to Hong Kong from various airports in Japan, the government said, to “ensure the smooth return of Hong Kongers from Japan” Report and minimize the impact on Hong Kong tourists caused by the incident.”
Hong Kong’s flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways (OTC:) said it was actively working with Japanese authorities since the latest travel restrictions were announced on Tuesday and will provide information. Updates to customers and the public by noon on Thursday.
Hong Kong Airlines and Peach Aviation announced they would cancel some routes because of regulations.
The United States, India, Italy and Taiwan now require mandatory COVID-19 testing for travelers from China after Beijing decided to lift strict COVID-free policies.
In December, China began lifting the world’s most stringent COVID-19 lockdown and widespread testing, putting its battered economy on track to fully reopen by 2020. next.
The lifting of restrictions, following widespread protests against them, means that COVID is spreading largely unchecked and potentially infecting millions, according to several international health experts. people every day.
