Cover Hong Kong will finally be allowing flights from the UK to return to the city in the near future. (Photo: Cathay Pacific/Instagram)

After being cancelled since December 22, Hong Kong will finally be allowing flights from the UK to return to the city from Friday, May 7

While border restrictions and quarantines have been in place for Hong Kong––and much of the world––since early 2020, it was a shock to many when the Hong Kong government announced in December that flights from the UK would be cancelled indefinitely. At a time when many had flown to the UK for Christmas vacations, the news came as blow to those hoping to enjoy a relaxed break away from the city with family, with no date given as to when flights may resume.

It has now finally been confirmed that direct flights from the UK to Hong Kong will be resuming on Friday, May 7. Travellers will be able to travel back directly from the UK providing they have proof of a 21-day quarantine hotel booking and of a negative Covid-19 test result obtained in the 72-hours before their flight. 

Those looking to return to Hong Kong from the UK will still have to serve the mandatory 21-day hotel quarantine, which has also been in place since late 2020, when it was extended from the previous 14-days. 

Travellers from some low-risk countries––namely Australia, New Zealand and Singapore––are now be able quarantine for just 14-days at a designated hotel. After this period they must undergo seven days of self-quarantine at their own residence, with a mandatory test on the 19th day. Travel bubbles are also in talks with Japan, South Korea, Thailand and New Zealand.

The government is also still in talks about extending the Return2HK programme––which was implemented in November and currently only applies to those returning from Guangdong and Macau––to include other mainland provinces. The programme allows Hong Kong residents to come back to the city without going through 14-day quarantine if they test negative for Covid-19 in the 24 hours prior.

See also: Hong Kong Social Distancing Rules For Covid-19: What You Can And Can’t Do