Hong Kong is one of the world’s biggest aviation hubs but also has some of the strictest coronavirus regulations in the world. Two pilots tell the BBC how these rules are affecting their mental health and putting a strain on their personal lives.
“You’re just in a perpetual state of quarantine.”
Pierre*, a pilot with the city’s flagship carrier Cathay Pacific, has spent almost 150 days in isolation in this year alone, he says.
Though Hong Kong has recorded barely any local coronavirus cases in recent months, the city has imposed an extensive testing and quarantine regime, in line with mainland China’s zero Covid policy.
Pilots are not exempted from these rules – which means they spend an exceptionally large portion of their time either working or in quarantine.
These tough measures start at the airport.
All international inbound travellers have to take Covid-19 tests on arrival at Hong Kong airport and quarantine even if they test negative. They need to wait for their test results – which are made available on the same day – before they can proceed with immigration procedures.
“[Aircrew] have been on an aeroplane for upwards of 25 hours, sometimes closer to 30 hours if there are any delays,” says Clark*, another Cathay Pacific pilot.
“They have to sit on a plastic chair and can’t sleep, waiting for the tests. The whole process takes about four hours from the time you’ve landed to the time you get home.”
If they test negative, they get to go home – but they’re still not free.
In the first three days after arriving in Hong Kong, aircrew must remain at home. They can only leave for a maximum of two hours a day, and only to get tested for Covid or for essential activities.
Crew members then have to “avoid unnecessary social contact” for a further 18 days and continue daily testing.
“I don’t think this is in any way fair or justified,” said Clark. “Totally unacceptable.”