Airport flight display system failure occurred on the 23rd, causing delays in updating flight information on electronic screens, websites, and the My HKG mobile app. Temporary screens were set up in the departure hall to display boarding gates for flights in the next hour, and handwritten whiteboards with gate information were placed in the restricted area. Transport and Housing Bureau Director Lin Shixiong expressed serious concern about the incident, requesting the Airport Authority to timely release the latest information, investigate the cause of the incident, and submit a report to the authorities.
Airport Operations Executive Director Yao Zhaocong stated around 4 p.m. on the 23rd that the malfunctioned flight display screens gradually resumed operation after noon, now showing flight information for the next 3 hours. The handwritten flight information whiteboards placed in the restricted area have been removed.
Yao mentioned that between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the 23rd, the airport handled a total of 360 flights, with almost all operations running normally. Passengers were able to check-in, board, and pass through security checkpoints without major disruptions, with only a few flights experiencing minor delays and no cancellations. He urged passengers to arrive at the airport early and apologized for any inconvenience caused.
The Airport Authority had activated backup systems on the 23rd, but the display format was different. Yao emphasized that the flight data was accurate, attributing the issue to display screen problems and not human error.
Director of Engineering and Technology of the Airport Authority, Leung Wing-kee, mentioned that on the 23rd, anomalies were detected in the network system affecting the update of flight display screens. Immediate contingency measures were implemented, including system maintenance and a comprehensive inspection scheduled later.
The Airport Authority stated that an emergency response center had been activated at the airport, applying contingency measures to handle affected services and procedures. Overall, flight operations at the airport were largely normal. They apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers and advised them to allocate sufficient time for check-in procedures and to check the latest flight information with airlines.
Executive Director of Airport Operations Yao Zhaocong revealed that flight display systems failed to update information in real-time from 7 a.m. on the 23rd. However, the flight data was accurate, ensuring normal take-offs and landings for the 160 flights handled between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Passengers’ check-in, luggage handling, and boarding processes were unaffected.
Upon discovering system anomalies, the Airport Authority promptly initiated protocols such as activating the airport emergency response center, notifying the media, and currently working on system repairs. Backup systems were in place, displaying flight data for the next 1 to 2 hours, while temporary flight information was visible in the restricted areas. The incident also affected incoming travelers, with the airport using similar methods to inform passengers about luggage collection points. Yao urged passengers to arrive at the airport early.
Yao Zhaocong also disclosed that the general issue causing the incident has been identified, work on repairs in that direction has begun, but a full explanation will be provided once the incident is completely resolved.