Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department said Thursday it is seeking further information from Oasis Hong Kong Airlines about the delay of its inaugural flight.

 

It has also reminded the airline to take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence, the department said.

 

In response to media inquiries on the incident, the department said it had provided all possible assistance to the airline in obtaining permission to fly in Russian airspace.

 

Oasis Airlines, the first long-haul budget airline in the world, canceled its maiden flight to London after six hours of delay Wednesday because of the Russia's refusal of overflight rights.

 

The company said it got the approval to fly over Russian airspace around 8:45 p.m. just after they evacuating some 300 passengers and send them to their home or hotel. The flight eventually took off at 1:19 p.m. Thursday from Hong Kong International Airport.

 

According to international practice, the airline has the responsibility to obtain prior permission from aviation authorities to overfly territories enroute, and to land at the destination.

 

Passengers complained about the one-day delay and some passengers who has booked flights from London to other cities said their schedule was severely affected, though each passenger got a 500 HK dollars compensation and a free flight ticket.

 

The department said airlines must take full responsibility to fulfill their obligations to passengers. Should operations be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances airlines must keep passengers informed as early as possible and make alternative arrangements to minimize inconvenience to them.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2006)