Due to stricter COVID-19 quarantine regulations for aviation crews, Hong Kong’s flag airline Cathay Pacific Airways is temporarily suspending all long-haul freight operations for a week.
According to The South China Morning Post newspaper, obligatory quarantine restrictions for aviation crew were increased when a Cathay Pacific pilot tested positive for COVID-19 on the fifth day after arriving in Hong Kong, South China.
The carrier acknowledged in an internal document that it would have to “start closed-loop operations for cargo crew,” which might mean longer work trips for pilots. Air crews will now be obliged to quarantine for seven days instead of three, as per the amended quarantine regulation.
As of December 31, 2021, Cathay Pacific has reportedly decreased its passenger flight schedule from 61 to 17 and terminated five of its 17 cargo operations.
After midnight on December 31, 2021, the tougher quarantine regulation will take effect. The measure will aid Hong Kong’s administration in maintaining its COVID-free policy.
