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The Under Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, said today (December 21) that as Hong Kong students continued to be stranded in Heathrow Airport, London, the HKSAR Government has worked with Cathay Pacific Airways Limited to plan for the provision of three additional flights, one flight per day from December 21 to 23, to bring them home. As the local situation remained fluid, it was not certain at present from which airport the additional flights would take off.
In a media briefing held this evening, Mr Lai said, "The three additional flights provide a total of around 1,000 seats, which should be sufficient to meet the needs of the stranded students currently at the Park Inn Heathrow Hotel."
"In accordance with the HKSAR Government's agreement with Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, suitable arrangements will be made for students holding non-Cathay Pacific air tickets to board these flights. The relevant charge will be collected when they have returned to Hong Kong."
"Since December 19 evening, staff of the London Economic and Trade Office (ETO) have mounted an all-out effort to reach out to the stranded students at Heathrow and offer them assistance. Today, eight staff of Immigration Department had arrived at Heathrow Airport to team up with the staff of London ETO to provide assistance to these students," Mr Lai said.
From December 17 to now, Immigration Department has received 426 requests for assistance. The vast majority of the students (more than 410) wanted early return to Hong Kong. Thirteen of them who required medical attention had been looked after in London, and the airline would arrange for their return as soon as practicable.
Mr Lai said the Cathay Pacific Airways Limited had transferred over 400 stranded Hong Kong students to a nearby hotel, providing them with food and other amenities. They are primarily secondary students and doctors are on site to take care of those who need medical care. Registration was made for these students such that priority boarding would be given to minors and unaccompanied students once flights resume.
"The Government's primary concern is the safety of the stranded students. At present, hundreds of students are resting at a hotel near to the airport and waiting for flight arrangements. They are safe and meals are provided. Parents in Hong Kong need not over worry," he said.
Mr Lai appealed to parents to communicate with their children, advising them not to depart for the airport if they do not hold confirmed seats or in case of inclement weather. They should stay at a safe place, such as with their friends or guardians, and listen to updates from the local authorities and airlines. Should these students have problem with accommodation, they may call (852)1868 and the Support Team in London will render assistance.
He said, "Flights will inevitably be delayed or cancelled if the snowstorm in Europe persists. I urge parents to explore with their children the possibility of postponing their trip. I understand that Cathay Pacific Airways Limited has made arrangements to provide a full refund or waiver of booking charges in this connection.
"The Government and airlines will continue to closely assess and monitor the situation. After the airport resumes normal operation, airlines would strive to bring home stranded students. In case the adverse situation persists, we will consider arranging chartered flights to solve the problem."
Ends/Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:27
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