**********************************************************
The Government has put in place contingency arrangements in conjunction with related organisations to help travellers affected by Oasis Hong Kong Airlines Limited's decision to cease operation of its air services with immediate effect, a spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (April 9).
Affected travellers are advised to call the following hotlines of Oasis in the first instance ¡ª
Hong Kong : (852) 3628 0628
London : +0844 482 2323
+44 129 359 6633 (outside the UK)
Vancouver : +1 888 983 0808
Passengers should not go to the airport without new tickets.
The website of the Airport Authority provides schedules of direct flights between Hong Kong and London and Vancouver for affected travellers who need to make alternative travel arrangements (www.hongkongairport.com/).
We have also been in contact with airlines operating air services between Hong Kong and London and between Hong Kong and Vancouver, and appealed to them to assist affected travellers as far as possible when they make alternative travel arrangements.
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited has agreed to assist some affected passengers as far as possible by accommodating them. We understand that the company will announce the details today.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in London and Toronto as well as the Immigration Department have sent their staff to airports in London and Vancouver to help Hong Kong residents in need.
Hong Kong residents who are outside Hong Kong and need assistance may also call the Immigration Department's hotline (852) 1868.
The Consumer Council, the Travel Industry Council and the Labour Department have been informed of this case.
Details will be available on the Transport and Housing Bureau's website at www.thb.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:02
NNNN