An Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, carrying rescue crews and equipment to help in the aftermath of the earthquake in Nepal, prepares for take-off at an airport. (Photo: China News Service/Zhang Hengping)
(ECNS) -- Rumors that Chinese passport holders are being granted free airfares out of Nepal after this week's earthquake are incorrect, according to China's Foreign Ministry. [Special coverage]
The ministry has denied the existence of notices saying "Chinese passport holders can fly free," according to Beijing Times.
Chinese citizens wanting to leave Nepal are being advised to contact airline companies with ticket issues. In the case of ticket prices being deemed too high, they could contact the local embassy.
Liu Xiaoguang, a Chinese defense attache, criticized some airline companies for raising ticket prices in the wake of the tragedy.
He was quoted as advising Chinese citizens to "Please not fall for the trick. You are free to board with a Chinese passport."
However, the comment was misinterpreted as meaning Chinese citizens were being granted a free air ticket back home and the rumor consequently spread online. Liu is not available for comment.
It was reported that a Chinese airline company, suspected to be Air China, increased its ticket price to $1000. However, the company is denying any wrongdoing, but did not rule out the possibility that individual agents could take advantage of the situation and raise fairs.
