But some Tokyo-bound travellers at Hong Kong International Airport told RTHK that they were not deterred and would still make their journey.
A woman surnamed Lau said she and her husband have no plans to change their trip because they expect transport services in Japan to gradually return to normal.
“We are flying to Narita airport, and we know many people were stranded there. Because we’ll arrive at around 6pm – and local transport should resume at around 3pm – we expect to wait a bit for the crowds to clear,” she said.
Another traveller, surnamed Chan, was flying with his wife and daughter.
“I hope the weather improves. I’ll keep checking for the latest information on platforms like Threads and Facebook. There are a few routes; we’ve prepared backup options,” he said.
Local travel agency EGL Tours said one tour group departed for Narita airport on Friday morning, while two others were set to return to Hong Kong later in the day as planned.
Meanwhile, Wing On Travel reported that two of its tour groups were stranded at Narita airport on Thursday after landing.
One group managed to leave on Friday morning, heading to Kawasaki, while the other had to adjust its itinerary due to heavy traffic jams.
The Airport Authority said 19 flights between Hong Kong and Narita airport were delayed on Thursday.