Low fare flight fiasco

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines

Travel Insurance News - 26/10/2006

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A new carrier, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, was due to begin flights four times a week between Gatwick and Hong Kong but has been grounded by Russian officials. The confusion stems from the airline believing they have permission to fly over their airspace and apparently having paid for the overfly rights. The airline says it had also received an approval code to fly but were required to unload their passengers and luggage in Hong Kong early yesterday. The 300 passengers and the chairman had to vacate the aircraft and were told they were not cleared to fly. The first flight from Gatwick was supposed to take off tonight but that may also be delayed.

The tickets offered at a starting price of £75 were on sale about 6 weeks ago and so far 20,000 tickets have been purchased. Around 10 per cent of the economy seats will be available at the £75 price, that will rise in high season to £315, business class return will start at £1,071 including tax. The airline still plans to offer its customers meals, blankets and complimentary tea and coffee, banking on its business class passengers bringing in extra revenue.

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