Hong Kong: Ongoing peaceful protests at Hong Kong International Airport August 9 /update 48

Event

An ongoing sit-in protest by anti-extradition bill activists at Hong Kong International Airport's (HKG) arrivals area has caused minimal transport disruptions on Friday, August 9. Protesters gathered at 13:00 (local time), to denounce the proposed extradition bill and list pro-democracy demands. Some demonstrators indicate that they intend to occupy the airport over the course of several days.

Authorities have implemented extra security measures as a result of the protests, including closing public areas to non-travelers. Airport authorities also announced that between Friday, August 9, and Sunday, August 11, only departing travelers with tickets or boarding passes for flights within 24 hours and travel documents, or airport staff with identification, may access the check-in areas at Terminal 1 from 06:00 (local time) through 23:59. As of 16:15 (local time), no notable flight delays have been reported due to today's ongoing protest. Airport authorities stated they were aware of the protests in advanced, allowing them to implement heightened security measures and expect that the airport will operate normally. The protest remains largely peaceful.

On Saturday, activists also plan to gather at the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Wong Tai Sin at 14:30. A march is also scheduled on the same day in Tai Po. Participants plan to gather at Tai Wo bus terminal and then march to Wan Tau Kok Lane. Organizers did not immediately release a start time for the march.

Activists have also called for a protest in Sham Shui Po starting at 14:30 on Sunday. Another rally on the same day is also scheduled in the east of Hong Kong Island starting at 13:00. Organizers did not immediately clarify the exact locations of either protest. A heightened security presence, localized transportation disruptions and residual delays are expected in the coming days and weeks, particularly near all protest sites. Clashes between police forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Additional protests are planned over the coming weeks. Demonstrations are expected to be held in Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan on August 17, and Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing on August 18.

Context

Protests and mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held since June 9, in opposition to a controversial bill that would allow Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China and other territories. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms and be used to silence dissent and criticism. The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.

The demonstrations have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. On July 14, clashes between police and protesters in a Sha Tin shopping mall left 22 people hospitalized. On July 21, a group of pro-government men armed with bars and sticks attacked protesters and commuters in Yuen Long, leaving 45 people injured. On July 27-28, police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters, marking another escalation in violence. Unidentified assailants reportedly fired fireworks at protesters in Tin Shui Wai on July 30. Protesters destroyed several vehicles and set a fire outside a police station in Tsim Sha Tsui on August 3, leading to violent clashes between police forces and protesters late into the night. Police used tear gas against protesters and arrested at least 20 of them.

Advice

Individuals flying into or out of HKG are advised to closely monitor the situation, confirm flight itineraries before leaving for the airport, allow additional time for check-in and security procedures, and anticipate disruptions to airport operations.