The Airport Authority (AA) said on Sunday that it could not provide real-time updates on flight information on the terminal's display screens at the airport, its website and the My HKG mobile app because of failure in the flight information display system.

The AA said no flights were delayed due to the incident. But it still advised passengers to allow for sufficient time to check in at the airport and to communicate with airlines on the latest flight status.

"In fact, it doesn't affect the data. That's why all the airport operations, including the check-in, the landing and departure, were normal," Steven Yiu, the authority's executive director of airport operations, told reporters.

"What has been impacted was the fixed display to the public, including the website and also the mobile app. We found [problems with] some of the software controlling the display system."

Yiu said the AA was trying to fix the glitch as soon as possible, adding that there was no evidence showing that it was caused by human error.

The authority said its emergency centre has been activated, and contingency measures have been implemented to handle affected service and procedures.

"It's only a problem with the display screens so it probably won't affect the flights. But because this is very important information for travellers, I hope they can fix it as soon as possible," a tourist told RTHK.

Another traveller complained about the inconvenience caused.

"It creates a lot of trouble. I don't know where I should go to check-in. I have luggage and kids with me. It's just troublesome. No matter at which airport, if such a problem occurs, and no one is assisting travellers, it must affect the reputation of the place," she said.

Transport minister Lam Sai-hung said he's very concerned about the computer glitch, and that the AA should make every effort to keep passengers informed.

In a statement on social media, he called on the authority to investigate the case and submit a report to the government.
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Last updated: 2024-06-23 HKT 12:34