Macau Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) confirmed that Severe Tropical Storm Noul led to 62 flight cancellations and 34 delays at Macau International Airport (MFM) across 25–26 July. Airport management said airlines had resumed limited operations from 2:00 p.m. Sunday once cross-winds fell below 35 knots. Key routes to Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok reopened first, prioritising wide-body aircraft carrying tour groups expected for next week’s Global Gaming Expo Asia. Low-cost carriers such as AirAsia and HK Express plan to restore full schedules on Monday, subject to runway inspections overnight. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) urged visitors whose visas or permit-free stays expire on 26–27 July to apply for a discretionary extension at the Public Security Police Force’s Migration Service counters inside the terminal. Hotel operators reported occupancy rates above 85 per cent as stranded travellers booked extra nights; some resorts offered 30 per cent discounts to alleviate crowding at the airport. With the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge closed to double-deck buses during the storm, ferry operator TurboJET laid on additional sailings once sea conditions improved, providing a crucial air-sea intermodal link for business travellers heading to Hong Kong. AACM said it will review airlines’ contingency plans and consider mandating greater minimum ground-time buffers during the typhoon season, a change that could affect slot availability for charter flights servicing Macau’s MICE sector.
Source: Macao SAR Government Portal
