Travel News

Far East travellers warned of possible strike

Cathay Pacific passengers have been warned that they could see substantial disruptions to their travel plans over the Christmas period as a result of strike action.

It is feared that up to 200 flights a day could be affected if the airline's flight attendants take industrial action, meaning that many holidaymakers will be relying heavily on the expenses cover provided by their travel insurance.

Joseph Tung Yao-chung, executive director of the Travel Industry Council, said that the possibility of a strike is causing anxiety in the sector, the Standard reports.

"Christmas has always been the busiest season and it is difficult to get seats elsewhere as all the other airlines are fully booked," he said.

"The media keeps asking what's plan B for the travel agencies. Frankly, there's not much we can do if the flight attendants insist on [going on] strike, which will result in flights being cancelled."

Cathay Pacific is one of Asia's largest airlines and accounts for between 40 and 50 per cent of incoming and outgoing passenger flights in Hong Kong.

The carrier's staff are threatening to go on strike following a dispute over the company's medical plan.