Hong Kong: Special measures at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) ahead of planned protest September 7 /update 85

Event

On Friday, September 6, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) authorities announced a series of special measures in anticipation of protest action slated to begin at 13:00 (local time) on Saturday, September 7, which is intended to disrupt airport transportation services. From 09:00 until the close of service on Saturday, Airport Express trains will only make stops at Hong Kong Station and the airport. Trains will not make stops at the Kowloon, Tsing Yi, or AsiaWorld-Expo stations. Authorities also anticipate disruptions and changes to airport bus services. The airport's Car Park 1 will be closed beginning at 09:00 on Saturday, and there will be no in-town check-in service at Kowloon Station.

Access to terminal buildings at the airport is currently restricted, and only passengers with valid documentation (e.g. air ticket or boarding pass and valid travel documents) for flights over the next 24 hours and airport staff with identification will be allowed access to the terminal buildings.

Additional demonstrations are planned for Sunday, September 8, at Edinburgh Place, where protesters will gather at 14:00 and march towards the US Consulate General.

A heightened security presence is likely to remain throughout Hong Kong until the situation fully stabilizes. Severe transportation and business disruptions are expected throughout Hong Kong during any protests.  

Context

Protests and mass demonstrations of up to 2 million people have been held in Hong Kong since June 9, in opposition to a controversial bill that would allow authorities in 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. Protesters demands later morphed into a wider pro-democracy movement, calling for government reforms and police accountability over violence.

Demonstrations have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. 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. Activists have also accused the police of using unnecessary force in their attempts to disperse protesters.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong and those traveling via HKG are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for associated disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.