HKIA Well Prepared for Typhoon with Robust Preventive Measures

Hong Kong was hit by tropical cyclone Nangka in mid-October, with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) hoisting the Signal No. 8 for over 12 hours.

When Signal No.3 was issued in the evening of 12 October, different parties at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) were busy ensuring all typhoon precautionary measures were in place, such as fastening loose materials in work sites and sheltering empty aircraft containers, increasing separation between aircraft, securing wheel chocks, among others. As Nangka drew closer to Hong Kong, the airport community closely monitored the weather condition and wind speed. The airport emergency centre was activated to facilitate coordination among the community, as well as to ensure that airport staff, aircraft, apron facilities and equipment, are safe during the typhoon. It also facilitates speedy and orderly recovery of operation, minimising the impact of the typhoon on passenger and cargo movement.

Whenever a typhoon approaches the city, the HKO would alert the airport community with updates of the typhoon, while Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) would work with airlines, ramp handling operators, Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and other parties to implement safety measures to ensure that all aircraft and facilities at HKIA remain secure and safe.

The situation this year, however, is different from the usual typhoon seasons. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of aircraft have been grounded at the airport, with as many as around 100 idle aircraft parked on HKIA’s taxiways. During past typhoons, most aircraft were parked at parking stands near the terminals, sheltering aircraft from the wind. Typhoon preparation has been more challenging this year as aircraft are also parked on taxiways, where they are more exposed to the wind.

The AA has drawn up a safety contingency plan with relevant airlines, making reference to past wind speed and wind direction data, aircraft equipment manufacturers’ recommendations on aircraft wind resistance, and previous typhoon experience.

In general, aircraft parked at HKIA will be weighed down by fueling in preparation for typhoon season. Yet this year, extra measures are taken for the idle aircraft parked on the taxiways. Chapman Fong, General Manager, Airfield of the AA, explained that external weights were tied to the nose gear and sand bags were loaded to the cargo hold to weigh down the aircraft. The number of chocks placed against aircraft were also doubled to avoid skidding or movement of the aircraft.

Additionally, aircraft parked on taxiways were spaced out and strategically placed. More stable larger aircraft were placed in areas which are more exposed to wind, while smaller models were tucked away in positions sheltered from the wind.

As tropical cyclone Nangka gradually left Hong Kong, aircraft and equipment at HKIA had weathered the storm unscathed, thanks to the thorough preparation of the airport community. “We do not take chances when it comes to typhoon. The AA, ramp handling operators, airlines, HKO and CAD have always prepared for the strongest winds, so that we are well prepared even in the worst situations,” said Mr Fong.

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