We recently had an aircraft go around in HKG due weather and divert to XMN in China. When requested by ATC which airport they were diverting to they were advised that XMN would not accept them. A mayday call was placed as China don't understand the PAN call and aircraft diverted. Upon arrival, numerous staff arrived at the aircraft to question the pilot about his fuel state.
Unfortunately once you arrive at these airports, immigration won't let any staff access the aircraft to assist with it turnaround back to the original destination. Leaving the aircraft to sit for hours while the relevant airline ops organises bureaucratic clearances for it's departure.
China has a belief that all airports that are situated within the capital of the province are primary airports and not to be used as alternates??!! Secondary airports within he province can be........unfortunately international flights rarely carry documentation for these airports and the airports don't have the resources to deal with international flights.
Last edited by KABOY; 2nd Nov 2014 at 04:52.