Thai Airways has resumed normal flight operation on its Bangkok-Hong Kong route and upsized aircraft to rescue stranded passengers, according to a statement from the Thai flag carrier.
Protests at Hong Kong International Airport have severely disrupted flight operations there this week.
“Today (13 August 2019) Airport Authority Hong Kong announced operational resume at the airport, which allowed Thai to resume its operations. Thai has upsized its aircraft to accommodate 578 Thai stranded passengers and expected to completely transport all stranded passengers by today,” said Thai’s vice president, aviation safety, security and standards Pratana Patanasiri in a statement.
The airline did not say what upsized aircraft it would be using and did not immediately respond to an emailed request seeking comment.
Thai said it has waived fees and charges on the Bangkok-Hong Kong route for passengers who were booked to travel on the affected flights on 12-13 August 2019 to change their itineraries. Adjustments can be made “within 20 August 2019” with terms and conditions applied.
“Thai is monitoring the situation closely in order to properly assess the situation. Passengers are advised to check the Company’s announcements and keep abreast of all related news,” the airline said. “For further information on flight schedules, passengers may check at thaiairways.com or Thai Contact Center at Tel. 02-356-1111 (24-hours a day).”
Business Traveller Asia-Pacific reported earlier today that Hong Kong’s airport authority has said it will implement flight rescheduling today, after protests at the airport led it to cancel all flights on Monday evening.