Explainer | How Hong Kong’s airport handles bags, what to do if yours is damaged after viral Cathay clip
- A widely circulated video sparked controversy, depicting a worker wearing Cathay Pacific vest repeatedly throwing suitcases from staircase
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has been in damage control mode after a video circulating on social media showed a staff member tossing suitcases down a flight of stairs.
The firm issued an apology and said it was investigating a staff member.
The Post dives into how airport baggage should be handled under current guidelines and what passengers can do if they find their belongings damaged.
1. What’s the latest controversy?
A video circulating online earlier this week showed a female luggage handler wearing a reflective Cathay Pacific vest tossing suitcases down a flight of stairs and letting them tumble into a yellow luggage handling cart.
Cathay Pacific issued an apology over the incident, and confirmed an employee from its ground-handling service provider had been removed from her current position, pending the results of the investigation.
The airline also said it had urged the ground-handling service provider to strengthen overall staff training and supervision to prevent a repeat.
2. What are the protocols of baggage handling?
Alan Li Wing-foo, chairman of the Staffs and Workers Union of Hong Kong Civil Airlines, said he was unaware of any existing official guidelines for ground staff to handle luggage.
But airport workers tended to take a “careful” approach as the suitcases might contain delicate items, Li said.
