Aviation authority investigates why Cathay Pacific allowed pilot with measles to fly seven times in four days as Hong Kong tackles growing outbreak of the disease
- City has recorded a five-year high of 20 measles cases so far this year, five of which involve airport and airline staff
- Civil Aviation Department says it is seeking answers from Cathay after it emerged Hong Kong-based pilot with symptoms flew from March 13 to 16
Hong Kong’s aviation authority is investigating why Cathay Pacific Airways allowed a pilot with measles to fly seven times in four days, while the city grapples with a growing outbreak of the disease that has prompted health officials to step up vaccinations at the airport.
The Civil Aviation Department said on Monday it was seeking answers from Cathay after it emerged that one of the carrier’s Hong Kong-based pilots had flown seven times from March 13 to 16, despite having symptoms of the highly contagious disease.
The airline has so far resisted mounting pressure to provide a full explanation, after the 41-year-old pilot was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung to be treated for measles.
It is against aviation law for anyone to be part of a flight crew “if they know or reasonably suspect their physical or mental condition renders them temporarily or permanently unfit to perform such functions”.