Originally Posted by
Nicc HK
Exactly...here we go again (plus comp culture).
The PLA Air Force control ATC and traffic flow across China, and getting slots out of HK is a roulette game, especially in Summer which is peak season for military exercises, particularly by the Nanjing Military Region, the largest and the one which sits right between HK and the North of China.
Delays to China from HK are rarely the fault of the airlines, they do their best to minimise them.
If not caused by CX, suggest you request compensation from:
Head of PLA Air Force General Ma Xiao-Tian
C/O Ministry of Defence
34 Fuchengmenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Per FR24, the aircraft used for OP's flight (B-LAL) had arrived in HKG by 11am, if not being swapped in, so unlikely a mechanical issue. Depending on statuses other flights to PRC (which I can't check efficiently), very likely typical ATC, the constant risk flying into mainland China.
If anyone would ever dare to ask for compensation through that, best is being ignored but there's an unfortunate chance the source of the issue (a.k.a. the complainer) might be eliminated.