Hong Kong airport cancels flights due to protests in terminal

Hong Kong airport, one of the busiest in the world, has cancelled its departing passenger flights as a result of protests taking place in its main terminal.

In a statement issued today (Monday, August 12), the airport said that is has cancelled all flights that have not yet checked in.

In response to the cancellations, Hong Kong-based airline Cathy Pacific, stated: “Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have been informed by the Hong Kong International Airport Authority that all departing [passenger] flights are cancelled today, Monday 12 August, effective immediately. The cancellation period will extend until the morning of tomorrow, Tuesday 13 August.”

The cancellations apply to all passenger flights, and therefore bellyhold cargo operations, but have not affected freighter operations, Cathay Pacific Cargo said in a statement.

During the past four days, thousands of protesters have gathered inside the terminal, causing serious disruption to the airport’s flights and operations.

The public can check the live status of passenger and cargo flights on the Hong Kong airport website.

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

• Hong Kong strikes hit cargo operations
• Cathay Pacific takes action following China warning over protests

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

Also, on August 5, hundreds of flights from the Hong Kong hub were cancelled due to the protests.