Protesters gathered within Hong Kong International Airport again late yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 13 August 2019), forcing the airport to suspend flights for the second consecutive day.
The airport’s website carried the following Notice for passengers, updated at 5.15pm [local time] yesterday:
“Terminal operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted, and all check-in processes have now been suspended. All passengers are advised to leave the terminal buildings as soon as possible. Affected passengers please contact their respective airlines for flight arrangement.”
DFAT’s Smartraveller has issued the following advice (updated 13 August 2019) for Australians travelling to and from Hong Kong:
“Protests in Hong Kong continue. Intensified protests at Hong Kong International Airport have resulted in significant disruption, including the cancellation of flights. Check your flight status on the Hong Kong International Airport website or with airlines directly. For Australians requiring consular assistance, please contact the Consular Emergency Centre +61 2 6261 3305 or the Australian Consulate +852 2827 8881. Our level of advice has not changed – ‘exercise a high degree of caution’.
‘Flash mob’ protests and random attacks on protestors have become less predictable and are expected to continue. Tourist and residential areas have been affected. There is a high risk of violent confrontation between protestors and police, or criminally-linked individuals. The risk is greater at night, on weekends and public holidays. We strongly recommend you avoid large public gatherings. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.”
