Hong Kong’s airport authority has obtained an interim injunction banning demonstrations at Hong Kong International Airport apart from in designated areas.
The authority said in a statement that the interim injunction will “restrain persons from unlawfully and wilfully obstructing or interfering with the proper use of Hong Kong International Airport”.
“Persons are also restrained from attending or participating in any demonstration or protest or public order event in the Airport other than in the area designated by the Airport Authority. The interim injunction expressly provides that nothing in the interim injunction shall be construed as authorising any demonstration, protest or public order event contrary to the Public Order Ordinance.”
As can be seen from the order, which is published on the Airport Authority’s website here, protests are now only permitted in two small areas of the airport.
Hong Kong Airport saw its second day of disruption yesterday as protesters again occupied the airport.
Also yesterday, Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific issued a statement affirming its support of the Hong Kong SAR Government, its Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the Hong Kong Police Force.
“This is our home. We have grown with this great city and are committed to remaining at the heart of its future growth and success,” Cathay Pacific said.
“Cathay Pacific is deeply concerned by the ongoing violence and disruption impacting Hong Kong. We resolutely support the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Chief Executive and the Police in their efforts to restore law and order. We condemn all illegal activities and violent behaviour, which seriously undermine the fundamental principle of ‘One Country Two Systems’ as enshrined in the Basic Law.”
The airline added: “All that is special about Hong Kong – its flourishing economy and the safe home it provides for our people and families – rests on a strong and respected rule of law. We must act now to stop the violence and preserve the stability, peace and prosperity of Hong Kong.”
This morning, Cathay Pacific tweeted that flight check-in services had returned to normal, after being suspended yesterday.
Low-cost carrier HK Express cancelled 14 flights today and has offered affected passengers three options: (1) change the travel schedule to the same destination, departing within 14 days of original departure date; (2) change to a new destination of HK Express network, departing within 14 days of original departure date; (3) full refund. For option one, no change fee applies and the fare difference will be waived. For option two, no change fee applies but passengers need to pay the fare difference.
“HK Express will continue communicating with the airport authorities. We will monitor the situation closely and will issue further updates should there be any other change to the flight schedule,” the airline said.
“For the change arrangement or any enquiry, guests are advised to reach us via live chat on our ‘Contact Us’ page, dial the dedicated hotline at (852) 3902 0288 or via email [email protected].
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