High-speed ferry operator TurboJET restarted sailings between Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Terminal and Macau Outer Harbour at 13:30 on 26 July once sea states fell below six-metre swells in the wake of Typhoon Hongxia. All departures had been cancelled since the previous night under marine safety rules. The company began with an hourly frequency, prioritising passengers who had booked the popular Sunday-evening return leg to Hong Kong. Online rebooking fees were waived, and holders of unused tickets can travel any time up to 02 August at no extra cost. The resumption is welcome news for casino and convention traffic: the International Technology & Gaming Expo, which opens in Macau on 27 July, relies on TurboJET to move thousands of delegates staying in Hong Kong hotels. Macao Government Tourism Office expects limited impact on overall visitor numbers because the storm coincided with a traditionally lighter summer-conference weekend. TurboJET said it will restore its full 30-minute headway schedule by early 27 July if weather permits. Passengers should still allow extra time for immigration clearance as post-typhoon crowd surges are likely. Mobility coordinators arranging same-day Macau visa-on-arrival runs from Hong Kong should reconfirm ferry slots and remind travellers that Macau’s 30-day visa-free stay for most nationalities remains in force.
Source: RTHK
