Flights departing from Hong Kong airport have been cancelled as anti-government protests enter a fourth day.
In a statement, officials said operations had been “seriously disrupted” by the demonstration
Hong Kong’s Airport Authority said it was cancelling all flights that were not yet checked in. It has also advised members of the public not to travel to the airport, but arrivals into the airport would be allowed to land.
Thousands of black-clad protesters packed the arrivals area of Hong Kong airport on Monday. Authorities canceled the day’s remaining flights https://t.co/B91I782ZlDpic.twitter.com/lY03CSy7Vc
— Bloomberg (@business) August 12, 2019
The UK’s Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Hong Kong today (August 12), advising those on affected flights to “check their flight status on the Hong Kong International Airport website.”
An Abta spokesperson said: “This morning we issued a bulletin regarding the cancellation of flights departing from Hong Kong International Airport, and advised members with customers who are imminently due to travel to or from Hong Kong Airport to monitor the situation closely and check with their airline for the latest flight status and update their customers accordingly.”
Thousands have gathered at the airport as part of demonstrations, which started in June, in opposition to a proposed extradition bill which would allow suspected criminals to be sent to mainland China for trial.
Destination management company Destination Asia Hong Kong said: “Clashes with police were particularly intense on Sunday night compared with previous days, and further demonstrations are expected at different districts within this week.
“Destination Asia Hong Kong is in close contact with all agents with guests on the ground or scheduled to arrive in coming days. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.”
Hong Kong is part of China but its citizens have more autonomy than those on the mainland.
More to follow.
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