The Macao SAR Government, after evaluating the operational situation of VIVA Macau, considered the company incapable of maintaining normal flight service. In consideration of public interest and to protect Macao’s image as a tourism city, the SAR Government this afternoon (27 March) activated the tourism crisis response mechanism and decided to sponsor the returning flight fare for Macao residents stranded abroad and foreign visitors stranded in Macao because of the incident. The SAR Government would also assist passengers holding VIVA Macau tickets who have not yet embarked on their journey to rebook on other flights with a special fare. Due to fuel payment issues, VIVA Macau’s flight scheduled for Jakarta at 14:20 today failed to depart, and the 121 passengers sought assistance from the SAR Government. Meanwhile, the SAR Government had also been notified by the fuel supplier that they have officially informed VIVA Macau that no further fuel will be supplied to their aircrafts. Thus, the SAR Government decided to activate the Tourism Crisis Response Mechanism. The Tourism Crisis Management Office had discussed with representatives of relevant departments, the Macau International Airport, other airlines and tourism operators on contingency arrangements. The SAR Government decided to sponsor the returning flight fare for Macao residents stranded abroad. The SAR Government will also coordinated with travel agencies to follow up the arrangements for tour groups which had booked VIVA Macau tickets through Macau travel agencies and are stranded abroad. The SAR Government will sponsor the returning flight fare for foreign visitors stranded in Macao because of the incident. The SAR Government had also coordinated with other airlines to assist passengers holding VIVA Macau tickets who have not yet embarked on their journey to rebook on other flights with a special fare. The SAR Government urges all passengers to contact the airlines which have agreed to offer assistance for detailed information before heading to the airport. The SAR Government is deeply disappointed and expresses regret that, having provided various assistance and support, VIVA Macau was still not able to overcome operational problems affecting a large number of passengers. As VIVA Macau’s ticketing system is still in operation, the SAR Government appeals to all residents to fully assess all possible risks before purchasing. Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) has set up a dedicated hotline 28333088 in Macau for inquiries. VIVA Macau passengers outside Macau can also contact hotlines at VIVA Macau’s destinations for assistance. The overseas hotlines are: Japan: 09032205564 (in Japan) and (81) 9032205564 (from Macau); Jakarta, Indonesia: (62) 21 83705913; Australia: (61) 2 82677212 (from Macau), 0282677212 (from Melbourne) and 82677212 (from Sydney). Overseas hotlines are operated in English. In order to have more accurate understanding of the number of passengers affected, Macau residents are advised to notify their relatives and friends who are holding VIVA Macau tickets at the above destinations to call the respective hotlines to register with GGCT. In addition, GGCT will also send out SMS messages to inform Macau mobile phone users with roaming service the related information and hotline numbers. Latest information will continue to be uploaded to GGCT’s website: www.ggct.gov.mo The tourism hotline 28333000 will maintain normal operation.
