In an evening briefing on October 18, Hong Kong’s Security Bureau painted a more reassuring picture of operations at Huanggang Port despite the holiday crush. Officials said approximately 19,000 travelers cleared Hong Kong immigration between noon and 2 p.m.—an 835 percent jump over historical averages for the same slot at the former Lok Ma Chau facility. To cope, the Immigration Department opened every automated and manned channel on the fifth-floor departure hall and deployed police officers to implement one-way crowd-diversion lanes on the second floor. By 2:40 p.m., waiting times had dropped to under 15 minutes and the “Busy” status on the Easy Boundary app reverted to “Normal”. Authorities touted the rapid recovery as proof that contingency plans for the joint-clearance model are working. Real-time queue data, pushed to travelers via the app and giant LED boards, allowed tour groups and coach drivers to reroute to other crossing points such as Shenzhen Bay within minutes. For corporates, the episode illustrates the operational resilience—but also the sheer volatility—of Hong Kong’s main land gateway. Mobility teams should ensure staff have local SIM cards to receive Easy Boundary alerts and keep contingency budgets for last-minute ticket changes.
Source: news.gov.hk
