Hong Kong Transport & Housing Secretary Eva Cheng says 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.

Expressing regret, Ms Cheng said "The decision will particularly affect students who are returning to London and Vancouver after the Easter break."

She said 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.

Cathay Pacific Airways, she added, has responded positively. The airline will offer specially priced tickets and operate two new flights.

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

Liang Tao, CRI News, Hong Kong