Hong Kong airport authorities have cancelled the remaining flights for Monday August 12, after protesters took over the main terminal building for the fourth day.
The disruption is the biggest yet since disruptions started in June.
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In a statement that airport said:
“Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today. 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.”
According to Bloomberg China, through its spokesman Yang Guang, of its HK and Macau Affairs Office, has stepped up its rhetoric “saying protesters have committed serious crimes and showed signs of “terrorism.” Hong Kong has come to a “critical juncture” and all people who care about its future should say no to violence.”
The shut down will cause massive knock-on disruptions for days particularly for Cathay Pacific Airways which will have many aircraft and crews out of position.
The disruptions will also have a significant impact on forward bookings with intending or booked passengers changing plans to avoid Hong Kong.
Hubs such as Singapore and Seoul and their airlines will be major beneficiaries.
