Low-cost carrier HK Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, has advised passengers that key online services—including bookings, mobile check-in and self-service bag drop—will be unavailable from 22:00 HKT on 17 November until 10:30 HKT on 18 November while the airline performs a major IT upgrade.
During the 12-hour window travellers must complete airport check-in manually. Corporate mobility coordinators moving staff between Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific economic hubs such as Tokyo, Seoul and Bangkok should factor in longer counter queues and remind employees to arrive at least three hours before departure.
![HK Express Warns of System Upgrade Disruption on 17-18 November]()
The upgrade is part of HK Express’ migration to a next-generation reservation platform that will enable bundled fare products, dynamic ancillaries and Amadeus NDC connectivity. Once live, passengers will be able to change flights, purchase extra baggage and pre-order meals through a single mobile interface, bringing the budget carrier’s digital experience closer to that of full-service airlines.
HK Express stressed that flight operations would run as scheduled and that travellers who have already checked in online should screenshot their mobile boarding passes before 18:00 HKT on 17 November. Those affected by the downtime will not be charged airport counter check-in fees.
For HR teams, the episode highlights the need for contingency planning around airline IT maintenance windows—particularly during Hong Kong’s upcoming peak holiday season when seat demand is strong and same-day changes harder to secure.
During the 12-hour window travellers must complete airport check-in manually. Corporate mobility coordinators moving staff between Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific economic hubs such as Tokyo, Seoul and Bangkok should factor in longer counter queues and remind employees to arrive at least three hours before departure.
The upgrade is part of HK Express’ migration to a next-generation reservation platform that will enable bundled fare products, dynamic ancillaries and Amadeus NDC connectivity. Once live, passengers will be able to change flights, purchase extra baggage and pre-order meals through a single mobile interface, bringing the budget carrier’s digital experience closer to that of full-service airlines.
HK Express stressed that flight operations would run as scheduled and that travellers who have already checked in online should screenshot their mobile boarding passes before 18:00 HKT on 17 November. Those affected by the downtime will not be charged airport counter check-in fees.
For HR teams, the episode highlights the need for contingency planning around airline IT maintenance windows—particularly during Hong Kong’s upcoming peak holiday season when seat demand is strong and same-day changes harder to secure.
