Greater Bay Airlines has become the first Hong Kong carrier to explicitly offer refunds for Japan-bound flights following Beijing’s travel warning to Chinese citizens.

The announcement on Thursday came a day after the city’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm said they would provide flexible arrangements for passengers in the wake of Beijing’s call.

The airline said it would offer flexible arrangements for customers who had bought tickets on or before November 15 and were scheduled to depart for any destination in Japan on or before December 31.

“In view of the recent advisories of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR government regarding travel to Japan, Greater Bay Airlines expresses its concern on the situation and understanding that some customers who have already booked flights to Japan may need to adjust their itineraries,” it said.

Passengers could contact the airline’s service centre for a refund, the carrier said, adding that it would handle requests with flexibility and provide help.

The airline advised those who booked tickets through other channels to contact their travel agents.