Qantas has cancelled all flights to and from Hong Kong today as Typhoon Haima brings winds of up to 145km/h and heavy rain to the city.
The storm, which killed around eight people when it passed through the Philippines earlier this week, has been described as Southeast Asia’s strongest storm since 2013’s Haiyan.
Residents in Hong Kong have taken shelter and closed all schools, while airlines have grounded services until the typhoon passes.
Among the airlines is Qantas, which has cancelled its flights between Australia and Hong Kong.
The airline said it is monitoring the situation, but is offering options to Qantas customers holding valid tickets issued on/after 20 October 2016 for travel between Australia and Hong Kong on/after 21 October and on/before 22 October 2016.
Passengers are being used to check the airline’s website for more information.
Hong Kong braces for Typhoon Haima, after it battered The Philippines https://t.co/Ct7pw7qr67 #TyphoonHaima pic.twitter.com/CrhoFGJv56
— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) October 20, 2016
Hong Kong Airlines has also suspended its services for the day, saying flights should resume at 2.00am tomorrow morning.
The airline’s guests can access real-time information on its website or register for Flight Alerts.
The carrier is offering to waive rebooking, no-show, reissue and refund charges for valid tickets.