Hong Kong Resumes Flights After Typhoon Ragasa Shutdown

Hong Kong restarted flights from its international airport on September 25, ending a 36-hour shutdown caused by Typhoon Ragasa. The reopening also saw many businesses and transportation services return to operation. Some schools, however, remained closed as authorities continued safety checks. The restart marked an important step in the city’s recovery after one of the most powerful tropical cyclones in 2025 brought the busy financial hub to a halt.

Storm Brings City To A Standstill

Typhoon Ragasa swept into Hong Kong on September 23, after causing destruction in the northern Philippines and Taiwan, where at least 14 lives were lost. By September 24, the storm had also reached Yangjiang in southern China. In Hong Kong, daily life was completely disrupted. Authorities raised the highest typhoon signal, number 10, for most of the day on September 24, as the city faced strong winds, flooding, and falling debris.

More Than 100 People Injured

Local officials confirmed that over 100 people were injured during the typhoon. Most injuries came from falling glass, broken structures, and accidents on flooded roads. Emergency services were stretched thin as they responded to calls for help from different parts of the city. Hospitals remained on high alert, treating a continuous flow of patients throughout the storm.

Observatory Lowers Signal As Storm Weakens

By September 25, the Hong Kong Observatory lowered the storm warning to signal number 3, which is the second-lowest level. Although the cyclone had weakened into a tropical storm, authorities kept kindergartens and some schools closed as a precaution. Weather officials said strong winds could still affect coastal areas, and people should remain cautious until conditions improved further.

Severe Flooding And Huge Waves

The storm caused major flooding in many parts of Hong Kong. On September 23, massive waves battered the city’s eastern and southern coastlines. Roads, buildings, and even residential properties were submerged under water. In some neighborhoods, vehicles were left stranded as water rose to dangerous levels. Videos shared online showed dramatic scenes of seawater rushing through streets and crashing into coastal barriers.

Seawater Enters Fullerton Hotel

One of the most dramatic incidents took place at the Fullerton Hotel on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. Seawater surged into the hotel’s lobby, shattering its glass doors and flooding the interior. Staff quickly evacuated guests from the area, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The hotel later announced that its services were back to normal despite the damage.

Gradual Restart Of Airport Operations

The Hong Kong Airport Authority confirmed that airlines began resuming flights from 6 a.m. on September 25. All three runways were reopened to handle the heavy backlog of passengers. Officials expected more than 1,000 flights to be processed within the next two days, with operations running late into the night to meet demand. Passengers who had been stranded for over a day were relieved to finally see flights taking off again.

Busy Days Ahead At The Airport

Airport officials warned travelers to expect busy conditions on both September 25 and September 26. Many flights had to be rescheduled, and check-in counters were crowded with passengers trying to confirm their tickets. Authorities asked for patience, saying that safety checks were being carried out carefully to ensure smooth operations after the shutdown.

Repair Work Across The City

Elsewhere in Hong Kong, city authorities launched urgent repair operations. More than 1,000 fallen trees blocked roads and sidewalks, while at least 85 cases of flooding were reported across different districts. Workers were deployed to clear debris, pump water from flooded areas, and restore transportation links. Engineers also examined collapsed or damaged roads to speed up reopening.

Preparations Before The Storm

Authorities had prepared for the typhoon before it arrived. On September 22, sandbags were distributed to residents living in low-lying areas most at risk of flooding. Many households also rushed to stock up on food and daily necessities. Supermarket shelves were left bare as people bought supplies, and the sudden demand caused vegetable prices to surge. These measures showed how seriously the city took the approaching storm.

Life Gradually Returning To Normal

With Typhoon Ragasa now moving away and weakening, Hong Kong is slowly returning to normal. Businesses are reopening, public transport is running again, and schools are expected to resume soon. The recovery process will take time, especially for areas badly affected by flooding and property damage. However, residents are relieved that the worst of the storm has passed and that the city has avoided even greater casualties.