Operations returning to normal at Hong Kong International Airport

(HONG KONG, 24 August 1999) -- Operations at Hong Kong International Airport were gradually returning to normal following Sunday's accident involving a China Airlines MD-11 aircraft en route from Bangkok, the Airport Authority (AA) said today. AA Chief Executive Officer Mr Billy Lam said that airlines had agreed where possible to provide larger aircraft and more flights to help ease congestion at the airport, and that the backlog of flights was expected to be cleared within the next two days. "I fully understand the feelings of those stranded passengers, and their eagerness to complete their journeys", Mr Lam said. "Together with the airlines and our business partners we hope to minimise any inconvenience to them while they are here." "I have asked various airlines to deploy more staff and flights to help these passengers", Mr Lam said. "I'm informed that China Airlines General Manager Mr David Fei has arranged additional flights as well as approached other airlines to help clear their stranded passengers." Mr Lam reiterated that the AA would continue to provide whatever assistance airlines needed to better serve passengers. Details of affected flights: Total no of scheduled flights (arriving and departing):498 No of arriving flights scheduled:248 No of departing flights scheduled:250 As of 1430 hrs: No of arriving flights cancelled:9 No of arriving flights delayed: 65 No of arriving flights diverted: 0 No of departing flights cancelled: 15 No of departing flights delayed:111 The Airport Authority would also like to remind travelling passengers to keep in close contact with their airlines to confirm the latest status of the flights before going to the airport.

Ref. PR-445