The Airport Authority said nine flights between Hong Kong and Narita airport in Tokyo scheduled for Friday had been delayed as of 10am, as record-breaking rainfall and major transport disruption hit the Japanese capital.

But some Tokyo-bound travellers at Hong Kong International Airport told RTHK that they were not deterred and would still make their journey.

A woman surnamed Lau said she and her husband have no plans to change their trip because they expect transport services in Japan to gradually return to normal.

“We are flying to Narita airport, and we know many people were stranded there. Because we'll arrive at around 6pm – and local transport should resume at around 3pm – we expect to wait a bit for the crowds to clear,” she said.

Another traveller, surnamed Chan, was flying with his wife and daughter.

“I hope the weather improves. I’ll keep checking for the latest information on platforms like Threads and Facebook. There are a few routes; we’ve prepared backup options,” he said.

Those who flew back to the city on Friday afternoon spoke about their ordeal the night before.

One woman told RTHK she spent nearly HK$2,000 on a taxi to get to Narita airport after rail services were suspended. But she still ended up missing her flight and had to spend the night at the terminal.

“I don’t think I dare travel to Japan again. I never imagined all modes of transport would be suspended just because of rain, leaving no way to reach the airport. Even during a Typhoon Signal No. 8 in Hong Kong, trains still operate as normal.”

Her travel companion was forced to take an extra day off work.

“We Hongkongers really love working,” he said.

“I had to tell my boss that I couldn’t catch my flight and needed an extra day of leave.

“I am a bit disappointed with Japan's local infrastructure. Flooding submerged several cars and caused them to break down, blocking the highway for vehicles behind them. I was really worried our own car would get flooded, too.”

Another traveller had a similar experience.

“It was around 1am when we finally reached the airport, but our flight had already departed,” she said.

“Everyone waited in an orderly queue to receive supplies like sleeping bags, water and a pack of biscuits, and then we found a spot to sleep for a while.”

Local travel agency EGL Tours said one tour group departed for Narita airport on Friday morning, while two others were set to return to Hong Kong later in the day as planned.

Wing On Travel reported that two of its tour groups were stranded at Narita airport on Thursday after landing. One group managed to leave on Friday morning, heading to Kawasaki, while the other had to adjust its itinerary due to heavy traffic jams.

The Airport Authority said 19 flights between Hong Kong and Narita airport were delayed on Thursday.
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Last updated: 2026-08-14 HKT 16:45




Edited by Edmond Fong