HK Airlines cancels Saipan flights amid EVS-TAP suspension

Hong Kong Airlines has canceled its Saipan-Hong Kong flights from Nov. 1 to Dec. 30 following the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's suspension of the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program, or EVS-TAP.

Hong Kong Airlines Saipan station manager Joan Boongaling confirmed the cancellations Friday, Oct. 30, dealing another blow to the CNMI's struggling tourism industry.

The suspension, which took effect Friday, eliminates visa-free entry for Chinese nationals under EVS-TAP, which allowed eligible visitors to stay in the CNMI for up to 14 days.

DHS announced the suspension on Oct. 27, citing national security, immigration, and law enforcement concerns. Chinese nationals must now obtain appropriate U.S. visas to visit the CNMI unless another exemption applies.

The flight cancellations come after Hong Kong Airlines resumed serving Saipan last July 13 following disruptions caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April.

The airline's return had been seen as an important step in reviving the CNMI's Chinese tourism market, which has historically been one of the Commonwealth's major visitor sources.