On June 8, a Government Flying Service (GFS) helicopter parked on the apron at Hong Kong International Airport flipped on its side after being buffeted by strong winds, but no one was injured.

The airport reported gusts of up to 129 kilometers per hour when the accident happened at about 10am.

The 3,700-kilogram Eurocopter, on standby for emergency service, was slightly damaged. It has been in service for almost four years.

Calvin Shum Chi-wai, operations manager with the Government Flying Service, said such an accident was rare.

There was no record of a helicopter having being blown on its side in Hong Kong, even with a No. 10 typhoon signal hoisted.

Captain Trevor Marshall, chief training and standards officer with the Government Flying Service, said the helicopter involved could be out of service for a few weeks. Parts would be sent to the French manufacturer for inspection.

Meanwhile, Airport Authority Hong Kong reported up to 150 flights delayed by bad weather on June 8.

These included incoming and outgoing flights. A number of planes were diverted.

However, a spokeswoman said all diverted planes eventually landed safely in Hong Kong.