China Pledges Further Visa-Free Transit Expansion and Fully Digital Border Services
Air China to Launch Beijing–Copenhagen–Reykjavik Service, Opening First Direct Link Between China and Iceland
Typhoon Noul Grounds Hundreds of Flights, Strands Travellers Across Southern China and Hong Kong
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EU Clarifies Entry/Exit System Exemptions as Automated Border Checks Affect Chinese Travellers
Brussels has issued updated guidance on traveller categories exempt from the EU’s new Entry/Exit System. Most Chinese nationals entering on short-stay Schengen visas must still provide fingerprints and a facial image, while Chinese holders of EU residence permits are exempt. Companies should brief employees on longer connection times and documentation requirements.
Typhoon Hongxia (Noul) Grounds 350 Flights and Disrupts Southern China’s Travel Corridors
Typhoon Hongxia (international name Noul) made landfall in Guangdong early on 26 July, prompting the cancellation of more than 350 flights in Hong Kong alone and widespread shutdowns of airports, ferries and land checkpoints across the Pearl River Delta. Over 715,000 people were evacuated as authorities activated emergency immigration and transport protocols. Business travellers should expect rolling delays for at least 48 hours as airlines, ports and customs clear the backlog.
Hong Kong lifts all storm warnings as Typhoon Noul departs, 360 flights cancelled
Hong Kong cancelled its last storm warning on 26 July after Typhoon Noul moved away, but not before 360 flights were grounded and freight schedules thrown into disarray. Airport and cargo operators expect residual delays into 27 July, affecting business travellers, exporters and convention organisers.
Over 800,000 evacuated as Typhoon Noul batters Guangdong; flood response and transport curbs escalate
Typhoon Noul forced the evacuation of more than 800,000 people in Guangdong on 26 July, prompting widespread rail, road and port shutdowns and triggering emergency funding for post-storm repairs. The transport curbs and factory stoppages pose immediate supply-chain risks for global firms with China operations.
MTR suspends Airport Express and cross-border High-Speed Rail under Typhoon Noul’s T9 signal
Under the T9 typhoon warning early on 26 July, MTR Corporation suspended the Airport Express, Light Rail, most buses and all cross-border High-Speed Rail services, cancelling more than 190 trains. The action paralysed business travel between Hong Kong and mainland financial hubs but safeguarded passenger safety during gale-force winds.
Hong Kong Downgrades Storm Signal; Immigration and Public Services Resume Gradually
Hong Kong reduced its typhoon warning to Signal No. 3 on 26 July, enabling the phased reopening of immigration counters, public services and transport links shut during Typhoon Hongxia. Although operations are resuming quickly, travellers and relocating staff should expect minor backlogs while authorities clear safety inspections and prioritise essential cargo.
Guangzhou and Shenzhen airports cancel more than 300 flights each as Typhoon Noul sweeps Guangdong
By midday 26 July, Guangzhou Baiyun and Shenzhen Bao’an airports had each cancelled more than 300 flights because of Typhoon Noul, forcing airlines to waive change fees and reroute passengers. The shutdown threatens to disrupt factory audits and just-in-time supply chains across the Greater Bay Area for several days.
‘Yue Che Nan Xia’ Scheme Expands: Five More Guangdong Cities Can Drive Directly into Hong Kong
From 25 July, private cars registered in Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou and Zhaoqing can drive into Hong Kong under the expanded ‘Yue Che Nan Xia’ programme. The daily urban-entry quota doubles to 200 vehicles, promising faster executive travel and greater retail tourism flows across the Greater Bay Area.
Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Reopens at 13:15 as Weather Improves
The Shenzhen Bay land checkpoint, closed overnight during Typhoon Hongxia, recommenced passenger and cargo processing at 13:15 on 26 July. The swift reopening restores a critical artery for cross-border commuters and time-sensitive freight between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific cancel regional services as Typhoon Noul disrupts Hong Kong–Shenzhen corridor
Singapore Airlines cancelled three services to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, while Cathay Pacific axed multiple flights on 26 July as Typhoon Noul disrupted the region’s busiest corporate air corridor. The move forces Southeast Asia–China commuters to rebook and highlights the need for real-time carrier monitoring.
Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge Reopens at 12:40, Restoring GBA Road Connectivity
The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge and its border ports reopened at 12:40 on 26 July following Typhoon Hongxia, restoring the GBA’s key cross-border highway. Traffic is subject to speed and vehicle-type restrictions until winds subside fully, but passenger coaches and most private cars can once again transit between Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai.
Singapore Airlines and Scoot Cancel China-Bound Flights Amid Typhoon; Advisories Issued for Business Travellers
Singapore Airlines and Scoot cancelled several flights to Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen on 25–26 July because of Typhoon Hongxia. Fee-free rebooking is available, but business travellers should expect seat shortages over the coming week as airlines reshuffle slots and equipment.
Hong Kong Transport Department cancels 190 high-speed rail services to mainland amid typhoon concerns
A weekend bulletin from Hong Kong’s Transport Department confirmed the cancellation of more than 190 high-speed rail services linking Hong Kong to mainland cities, complicating cross-border commutes and adding pressure to road freight routes.
Tianjin Airlines Resumes Chongqing–Moscow Service, Re-Linking China’s Southwest to Russia
Tianjin Airlines relaunched its Chongqing–Moscow route on 26 July, restoring a direct air corridor between China’s southwest and Russia with twice-weekly A330 flights. The service shortens travel times for executives and provides new belly-hold capacity for time-sensitive cargo.
Macau International Airport begins phased reopening after 62 cancellations and 34 delays
Macau’s airport started a phased recovery on 26 July after Typhoon Noul caused more than 60 cancellations. Authorities are offering visa-stay leniency for stranded passengers and reviewing airlines’ contingency plans ahead of major trade shows.
TurboJET Resumes Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Services at 13:30 After Typhoon Suspension
High-speed ferry operator TurboJET resumed Hong Kong–Macau services at 13:30 on 26 July after an overnight suspension caused by Typhoon Hongxia. Hourly departures are running with free rebooking, easing travel for business delegates and same-day visitors.