Hong Kong flights resume as airport adds new security measures

Passenger flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) have re-started today as the Asian hub has put extra security measures in place to limit protesters’ access to terminals.

The airport grounded hundreds of flights on Monday and Tuesday as protesters swarmed into terminal areas.

Flights have re-started today, but there are still some delays. Freighter operations were not affected by the protests.

“Hong Kong International Airport will implement flight rescheduling today (14 August) with flight movements expected to be affected,” HKIA said in a statement.

The Airport Authority has obtained an interim injunction to “restrain persons from unlawfully and wilfully obstructing or interfering with the proper use” of HKIA.

HKIA has also limited access to the airport terminals.

Only departure passengers with a valid air ticket or boarding pass for a flight in the next 24 hours and a valid travel document, or airport staff with relevant identification document will be allowed to enter the terminal buildings until further notice.

Checks will be set up at the entrance to terminal buildings.

Cathay Pacific Cargo said: “We will be operating our passenger flights today as scheduled. Please note that there is potential for further flight disruptions at short notice.

“Cathay Pacific’s Freighter operation and schedule remains unaffected.”

Over the last few days, thousands of protesters have gathered inside the terminal, causing serious disruption to the airport’s flights and operations.

The protests in Hong Kong, catalysed by a controversial extradition bill, have been ongoing for two months.

The airport disruption is not the only challenge faced by Cathay Pacific as a result of the protests.

Last week, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) placed a series of conditions on Cathay Pacific on safety grounds after members of its staff were found to be taking part in the protests.