After Limited Resumption of Flights in Dubai, First Passenger Aircraft has Arrived in Hong Kong

Following the limited resumption of flights at Dubai Airport, the first inbound flight from Dubai arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at approximately 10 pm on March 4.

Dubai Airport Temporarily Halted Flight Operations. Photo source: AP News

Ms. Kwok, a Hong Kong resident who arrived on an Emirates flight, stated that her group of six was touring in Dubai. She reported that they stayed in the old town, where conditions were relatively safe. According to Ms. Kwok, the atmosphere there was not overly tense; they were able to visit supermarkets during the day, and their travel agency provided meal arrangements. Speaking about the return journey, Ms. Kwok admitted to feeling initial anxiety, concerned that even if they successfully boarded, the flight might be forced to turn back midway. She expressed her delight at having returned safely to Hong Kong, describing the journey as an unforgettable experience.

The Emirates flight, Photo source: Emirates

Mr. Leung, who runs a restaurant in Dubai, said that while flight tickets were not difficult to purchase, flights were being canceled frequently. He expressed his relief and happiness at being able to board a flight after waiting for several days. He added that although there were fewer people on the streets, the atmosphere was not overly tense, and he believed that residents would gradually adapt to the conditions of war. He stated that this incident would not alter his future work plans, and that he would still travel to the Middle East region again.

The flight route from Dubai to Hong Kong, Photo source: flightaware

Jockey Karis Teetan, who had traveled to Dubai with the Hong Kong Jockey Club delegation for a race and became temporarily stranded, has also returned to Hong Kong with his family. He described feeling panicked during his time there, adding that the Hong Kong Jockey Club made daily efforts to secure flight tickets for them. He expressed his great delight at being able to return to Hong Kong smoothly.

The Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited (KMB) and Long Win Bus Company Limited (LWB) noted that the sharp surge in fuel costs has severely affected their operating revenue and expenditure, and asked the government to process their fare adjustment applications to ensure the stable development of services.

Photo source: reference image

The two bus operators said that fuel expenditure accounts for a significant proportion of their franchised bus operating costs. Since the outbreak of the Middle East crisis in late February this year, refined oil prices have risen from around US$85 per barrel to an average of US$170 per barrel, with prices having surged by nearly 200% at their peak, exceeding US$250 per barrel. Refined oil prices remain persistently high and highly volatile. In the absence of government subsidies, and despite implementing various cost control measures to mitigate the negative financial impact, KMB and LWB still pointed out that their operating conditions have inevitably been affected, and they must adopt other measures to maintain a financially sustainable position.

Photo source: reference image

The two operators hoped the government would expedite the processing of the fare adjustment applications so that the bus companies can operate and develop sustainably and reasonably.