People are seen next to the temporary closed security gates as anti-extradition bill demonstrators protest at the departure hall of Hong Kong Airport, China August 12, 2019. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Hong Kong, Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.
"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," the airport authority said in a statement.
Qatar Airways said in a statement put out on their website that they are calling all affected passengers with alternative options.
“Airport operations at Hong Kong Airport have been suspended with immediate effect due to public demonstrations at the airport. As a result, the airport authorities have suspended all flights to Hong Kong on Monday 12th August. Services on Tuesday 13th August are likely to be impacted.
“Qatar Airways is calling all affected passengers with alternative options. Passengers are advised to update their contact details under ‘Manage a Booking’ on the Qatar Airways website or contact Qatar Airways 24-hour call centre on +974-4023-0000,” the airline said on its website.
The decision came after thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police".
"Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said.
It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full.
"Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport."
