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Emergency measures coordinated by the Government in response to the cessation of air services by Oasis Hong Kong Airlines are operating smoothly, a spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (April 10).
¡°We appreciate very much the quick response and prompt assistance offered by the airlines operating on the Hong Kong - London and the Hong Kong - Vancouver routes to the affected passengers.
¡°We are pleased to note the special arrangements made, which include extra flights, special one-way tickets with discounted fares and priority bookings for students returning to schools in the UK,¡± the spokesman said.
To date, Cathay Pacific Airways, British Airways, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Qantas Airways have come up with special arrangements.
¡°Some airlines have re-routed their existing passengers so as to free up more seats for the heavily loaded Hong Kong ¡ª London route,¡± the spokesman added.
About 1,500 affected passengers have already made alternative arrangements, he said.
The situation at the Hong Kong International Airport has remained calm since the cessation of passenger services by Oasis.
The Airport Authority and the ground handling agent of Oasis have put in extra staff at the Oasis counter to assist the affected passengers. The process has been smooth and orderly.
Staff of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Offices in London and Toronto as well as the Immigration Department have also continued to help Hong Kong residents in need in airports in London and Vancouver.
For London, there were five telephone enquiries but no enquiry at the airport, whereas for Vancouver, there was only one telephone enquiry and no enquiry at the airport. So far there have been no cases requiring special assistance.
As regards the staff of Oasis abroad, we are pleased to note that arrangements have been made by the provisional liquidators of the company to return all their crew staff in London and Vancouver to Hong Kong.
The Government and the related organisations will continue to closely monitor the situation. Latest information will continue to be uploaded to the Transport and Housing Bureau's website at www.thb.gov.hk
Hong Kong residents who are outside Hong Kong and need assistance may also call the Immigration Department's hotline (852) 1868.
Ends/Thursday, April 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:14
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