Chaos continues in Hong Kong, with flights cancelled after protestors target airport

Chaos continues in Hong Kong, with flights cancelled after protestors target airport
By Travel Weekly


It appears the protestors in Hong Kong aren’t going away any time soon, causing more disruptions to the destination’s transport hubs over the weekend.

According to Channel News Asia, protesters charged police barriers and clashed with riot police at Hong Kong International Airport’s terminal yesterday, causing the cancellation 25 flights.

A statement issued by the Hong Kong government said protestors “started to charge water-filled barriers, pointed laser beams at the Airport Authority (AA) staff, and blocked roads with trolleys and mills barriers” at around 2pm local time on Sunday.

A number of media outlets reported that the airport’s express train service some bus services were also suspended, with protestors flooding road and rail links.

Meanwhile, a notice at MTR stations notified passengers that trains had been halted, “as requested by the Hong Kong government and Airport Authority to facilitate access control arrangements at the airport”.

However, despite the protesters’ latest efforts, both Virgin Australia and Qantas told Travel Weekly that none of their flights in and out of Hong Kong have been affected.

An update issued by Cathay Pacific earlier today said: “While certain public transportation services to HKIA have resumed, some delays are still expected. We suggest passengers allow enough time for additional travel prior to their flight’s scheduled departure.

“Passengers may also wish to take advantage of our in-town check-in service at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations – please arrive at in-town check-in at least 90 minutes before your scheduled flight departure.”

The airline is urging all passengers to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport, and noted that all charges and fare differences will be waived for certain ticket changes.

A statement issued by the airport at 6:15pm local time on Monday said the Airport Authority was aware that there have been calls for public activities in different parts of Hong Kong over the next two days.

“Passengers are advised to allow sufficient time to travel to the airport,” the notice said.

“Passengers may also check with their respective airlines, or visit the airport’s website and ‘HKG My Flight’ mobile app for updated flight information.”

The protests have now been going for 13 straight weeks, as Hong Kong citizens argue for better democracy in the territory, which is controlled by China.

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