Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Hong Kong cancels all flights on Monday amid protests

August 12, 2019 17:48 IST

Hong Kong airport authority on Monday suspended all remaining flights for the day after thousands of pro-democracy protesters entered the terminal's arrival halls.

IMAGE: An anti-extradition bill protester covers her one eye with a gauze during a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye during a protest at Hong Kong International Airport. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

The authority said that they were suspending departing and arriving flights in the wake of the sit-in demonstration, Al Jazeera reported.

 

"Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," it said in a statement.

IMAGE: Anti-extradition bill protesters wave flags with Chinese calligraphy that reads "Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times", at a mass demonstration at Hong Kong International Airport. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Traffic on roads to the airport was very congested and car park spaces were full, the authority said.

Increasingly restive protests for over two months have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis in decades.

IMAGE: Anti-extradition bill protesters attend a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye during a protest at Hong Kong International Airport. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

The protests, which started over a controversial extradition bill, expanded into wider calls for democratic reforms and an independent inquiry into police conduct during the demonstrations.

The protestors' demands include the resignation of pro-China Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, and an election for her successor.

IMAGE: People walk to leave Hong Kong International Airport due to anti-extradition bill protesters attending a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye during a protest in Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Source: ANI