Actually was higher than the peak they were bearing down on, so a collision wasn't imminent (misleading/hyped reporting), but the decision and casual "Oh, Sorry" about going off the established course, is a bit troubling. 

 

Quote

AN AIR China flight had a near miss with a mountain when the pilot deviated from its flight path on Sunday night.

Unsettling audio of the near-catastrophic moment has been released in which the air traffic controller warns the pilot to “turn right immediately”.

 

http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/listen-to-the-moment-air-traffic-controllers-warn-a-pilot-he-is-about-to-hit-a-mountain/news-story/1d75cc65612a683eb5d93d339aa2e256

Deviating from the standard flight path from a big international airport.

What does it say about the competency of such pilots?

 

5 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Deviating from the standard flight path from a big international airport.

What does it say about the competency of such pilots?

 

Competency or complacency.  Perhaps a bit of both.  Anyway, thought it was an interesting event for those in and out of HKG, and thankfully not tragic. 

Have a look on Pprune, could have been an ATC "misunderstanding", still inexcusable.