Travel aid: Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng said the Government has put in place contingency arrangements for affected Oasis passengers.

The Government is working with other airlines to take part in contingency arrangements to help travellers affected by Oasis Hong Kong Airlines' decision to cease operations, Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng says.

Expressing regret, Ms Cheng said the decision will particularly affect students who are returning to London and Vancouver after the Easter break. Her colleagues are liaising with other airlines, appealing to them to offer tickets at lower prices for the affected passengers.

While noting there should be enough seats to Vancouver to meet demand, Ms Cheng said bookings to London are scarce and travellers must prepare to take indirect flights or change their travel schedules.

However, she said priority arrangements will be given to students to get direct flights to London. She reminded passengers to rebook new tickets at their own expense before going to the airport.

Passenger hotlines

Cathay Pacific Airways, she added, has responded positively. The airline will offer specially priced tickets and operate two new flights. Its hotline for Oasis passengers only is 2747 6181. For details, click here.

Affected travellers are advised to call Oasis hotlines in the first instance:

* Hong Kong: (852) 3628 0628

* London: +0844 482 2323

* Outside the UK: +44 129 351 7211

* Vancouver: +1 888 983 0808

Affected travellers can visit the Airport Authority website for schedules of direct flights between Hong Kong and London and Vancouver to make alternative arrangements.

Hong Kong residents who are in need outside the city may also call the Immigration Department's hotline (852) 1868.

Emergency mechanism

Ms Cheng said she learned of the Oasis board's decision to go for liquidation late yesterday. The court approved its application today and the Government activated the emergency response mechanism.

Immigration Department and Hong Kong Economic & Trade Offices in London and Toronto have sent staff to London and Vancouver airports to help Hong Kong residents in distress while the Airport Authority has informed its counterparts in the two places about the situation.

The Consumer Council, Travel Industry Council and Labour Department have also been informed.

Ms Cheng said Oasis ought to be responsible for making alternative arrangements and affected passengers seeking compensation should approach the airline or the Consumer Council for assistance.

She stressed Hong Kong has a tried and tested licensing system and this was an isolated incident. Global business competition and the operating environment have been tough for airline operators, she said.

The pace at which Hong Kong embraces open sky arrangements will not be affected by the case, she added.