Hong Kong Airport cancels hundreds more flights as violent protests continue
HONG Kong Airport has cancelled hundreds more flights today as protests continue at one of the world's busiest airport continue.
All outbound flights were cancelled yesterday after thousands of protesters crowded the main terminal.
On the Hong Kong Airport website, 182 outbound flights and 188 inbound flights have been cancelled with Cathay Pacific affected the most.
The airport began checking in passengers on the Tuesday morning before being forced to stop again following the protests.
Hong Kong International Airport said in a statement Monday afternoon that the demonstration "seriously disrupted" airport operations.
The UK Foreign Office warned: "An unannounced protest is planned at Hong Kong Airport on 13 August from 13:00 local time (06:00 UK time).
A British Airways spokesperson explained on Twitter: "We're aware of the current protest movements at Hong Kong airport.
";We will continue to review our schedule and will provide you with a further update once we can confirm more information."
In a statement on their website, Cathay Pacific wrote: "Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have been informed by the Hong Kong International Airport Authority that all departing flights are cancelled today, Monday 12 August, effective immediately.
"The cancellation period will extend until the morning of tomorrow, Tuesday 13 August. This is as a result of the public assembly taking place at Hong Kong International Airport.
"Customers are therefore advised to postpone non-essential travel both today (12 August) and tomorrow (13 August) and should not proceed to the airport. Additionally, In-town Check-in services have been suspended."
A British Airways spokesperson explained: "Like all airlines, our two flights today from Hong Kong to Heathrow are affected by the disruption at Hong Kong International Airport.
"We apologise to customers affected by the disruption at the airport and we are offering them options to rebook to a different date or to take a full refund."
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson also told Sun Online Travel: "As with all airlines, Virgin Atlantic has cancelled its Hong Kong to London Heathrow flight, the VS207, today (12th August), due to protest activity.
"Our flights from London Heathrow to Hong Kong are still operating as planned. We’d like to apologise to our customers for the delay this will cause and advise anyone due to travel from Hong Kong to check our website for the latest information."
Brits who are stranded in Hong Kong could instead choose to travel by train to Guangzhou Airport or get a flight from Shenzhen which is outside of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Anyone travelling to the region who has changed their mind may be entitled to a full refund depending on the airline or travel insurance.
Emirates told Sun Online Travel: "Due to protests in Hong Kong International Airport on 12 August and subsequent direction from Hong Kong Airport Authorities to halt flights, Emirates flights EK384/ EK385 between Bangkok and Hong Kong on 12 August has been cancelled.
"Flights EK 386, EK 381 and EK 383 might also experience delays as a result of the protests. All other flights to/from Hong Kong remain unaffected as of now, however passengers are advised to regularly check //www.emirates.com for the latest flight schedules."
Hong Kong has experienced more than two months of mass protests calling for democratic reforms and an independent inquiry into police conduct.
The protest movement's demands also include the resignation of the Chinese territory's leader and an election for her successor.
Hong Kong, a former British colony, was returned to China in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" principle.
Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong?
More than half a million Brits visit the autonomous territory in south eastern China every year, mostly without incident.
Violent crime is generally very low in Hong Kong, though travellers are always encouraged to take sensible precautions.
Despite the current protests which have stormed the country in recent months, the FCO has not advised Brits against travelling.
However, tourists are warned to "remain vigilant".
What to do if your flight is cancelled
Passengers flying with an EU airline or a non-EU airline flying from a EU airport are protected by the Denied Boarding regulations.
Brits travelling from the UK will be protected under this regulation even if flying with an airline other than British Airways.
This means that the airline must offer you the option of either being reimbursed for a cancelled flight or rerouted on either the next possible flight or on an agreed date.
It must also provide you with meals and phone calls and hotel accommodation and transfers if the rerouting involves an overnight stay.
You can also opt for a full refund.
They added: "You should be prepared that the situation around protests and public gatherings could change quickly, with the potential for significant violence."
The protests, which started in June 2019, were sparked by the controversial legislation to extradite those convicted of crimes to mainland China and Taiwan.
While the bill has since been shelved, it has led to further protests in amid fears of the growing control of China's communist party - which has been met with police force.