CAD Hong Kong

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of Hong Kong is the government authority responsible for overseeing civil aviation safety, air traffic management, and the regulation of air operations within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Its jurisdiction encompasses aircraft certification, aircrew licensing, oversight of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), and the enforcement of the "Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995" and related legislation. The CAD operates under ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards, ensuring that air operations comply with rigorous requirements for airworthiness and public safety.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

The CAD is responsible for aviation safety; fares and baggage allowances are set by each airline:

• Fees: before paying, check what the fare includes and how much checked baggage, excess weight and other services cost; Hong Kong law prohibits misleading information in sales.
• Restricted items: liquids, lithium batteries, power banks and dangerous goods follow the airport's security rules.
• Special baggage: sports equipment and musical instruments follow each airline's policy.

The transport of animals is governed by the AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department) in coordination with the CAD:

• Operational Rules: The CAD requires aircraft to have cargo compartments with appropriate temperature and pressure controls for live animals (AVIH).
• Documentation: Submission of the Export/Import Zoosanitary Certificate is mandatory.
• Restrictions: many airlines restrict or ban brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds in the hold, especially on long flights, because of the breathing risk.

• Seats: no rule requires a free seat next to the child; ask for seats together when booking.
• Strollers: Umbrella-style strollers are generally permitted up to the boarding gate (gate-check), subject to security screening.
• Safety: Infants must be secured with a supplementary seat belt (loop belt) provided by the airline or in an aviation-certified car seat (CARES/CRD), where permitted by the operator's operations manual.

The CAD ensures that Hong Kong International Airport meets universal accessibility standards:

• Ground Assistance: Airlines must provide wheelchairs and boarding/disembarking assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, provided this is requested at least 48 hours in advance.
• MEDIF Form: For passengers with chronic medical conditions or those requiring oxygen/stretchers, the completion of the MEDIF (Medical Information Form) is mandatory.
• Priority: Persons with disabilities and the elderly are guaranteed priority during security and immigration procedures, with support from the airport’s customer service team.

• Official CAD Website (Hong Kong): https://www.cad.gov.hk
• Aviation Security (Baggage and Prohibitions): https://www.cad.gov.hk/english/packing_tips.html
• Animal Transportation (AFCD/CAD): https://www.afcd.gov.hk
• Passenger Information (HKIA Airport): https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/passenger-guide/departures/
• Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order: https://www.elegislation.gov.hk (Chapter 448C)