Advertisement
Hong Kong Airlines
Hong KongTransport

Troubled Hong Kong Airlines threatens to sue anyone starting ‘untrue and groundless’ rumours about its financial health

  • Carrier slams suggestions that it will stop flying and be liquidated
  • Warning comes after insurer announces it will alter its travel policies with regard to airline

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
The carrier said it reserved the right to take legal action against those who deliberately created rumours about it. Photo: Handout
Danny Lee

Hong Kong’s third biggest airline has threatened to sue anyone making “untrue and groundless speculations” that it is going bust.

Hong Kong Airlines issued a statement on Saturday slamming suggestions that the carrier would stop flying and be liquidated. The legal threats came despite concerns about the health of the business which prompted the authorities to question the company.

Talk of legal action was a warning shot in response to insurer Blue Cross, which on Thursday announced it would alter its travel policies and claims made against the carrier should it go bankrupt. Typically, clients would normally be given up to HK$2,000 (US$256) in compensation in the event an airline folded.
Advertisement
Hong Kong Airlines is one of two local carriers controlled by the debt-burdened conglomerate HNA Group. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong Airlines is one of two local carriers controlled by the debt-burdened conglomerate HNA Group. Photo: Handout

“We deplore the untrue and groundless speculations about Hong Kong Airlines ceasing operation and applying for liquidation. We reserve the right to take legal action against those who deliberately create these rumours,” the company said in its statement.

Advertisement

It has repeatedly stressed that it is business as normal for the airline and staff but developments have piled on the bad news, shaking consumer confidence in the carrier.

Hong Kong Airlines is one of two local carriers controlled by the debt-burdened Chinese conglomerate HNA Group. The other is budget airline Hong Kong Express.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x