In a shocking turn of events, Greater Bay Airlines has come under fire after the cancellation of 128 flights, impacting approximately 5,500 passengers during the busy travel months of February and March. This revelation has prompted Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, to demand an urgent report detailing the circumstances that led to these cancellations.

Chan stated in a press conference that the airline must conduct a thorough investigation and submit their findings within a week. She expressed her concern over the disruptions caused and emphasized that it is vital for the airline to identify the root cause. "The Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Civil Aviation Department have met with Greater Bay Airlines' senior management to discuss the way forward," Chan mentioned to reporters.

The government is particularly interested in understanding the airline's strategy for managing flight schedules to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Greater Bay Airlines, which debuted its operations in July 2022 as a budget carrier, cited delays in the delivery of new aircraft and required maintenance checks on existing planes as the reasons behind the cancellations.

Adding to the turmoil, the airline acknowledged that an internal review revealed "negligence" in their flight scheduling process contributed to the situation. Despite these challenges, Greater Bay Airlines assured the public that their services during the lunar New Year holiday would remain unaffected, a crucial period for travel in the region.

Moreover, Chan has urged Greater Bay Airlines to provide "steady and reliable services," stressing that passengers deserve compensation in line with the airline's policies, particularly regarding alternative flight arrangements and refunds.

In an additional blow to its reputation, the airline also announced the suspension of its flight services between Hong Kong and Seoul, citing "unsatisfactory business performance." This decision has fueled speculation about the financial health and operational viability of the young carrier.

As the situation unfolds, the Consumer Council reported receiving at least five complaints related to the flight cancellations, amounting to nearly HK$14,000. With increasing scrutiny from both the public and the government, Greater Bay Airlines faces a critical juncture that could determine its future in the competitive aviation industry.

Is this the beginning of the end for Greater Bay Airlines, or can it rise from the ashes? Only time will tell as the airline navigates this crisis. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!