Hong Kong: Hundreds rally in Hong Kong International Airport August 13 /update 55

Event

Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) for a fifth consecutive day on Tuesday, August 13. As of 14:30 (local time), demonstrators have marched through the departure hall in Terminal 1 and are attempting to block access to some gates. Airport officials warned earlier in the day that residual flight disruptions will occur throughout Tuesday after operations were temporarily suspended due to protests on Monday, August 12. Some airlines canceled flights on Tuesday and further delays or cancelations are possible in the coming hours, particularly if more people join the rally. Passengers are being advised to confirm flights before leaving for the airport and to follow the website or “HKG My Flight” mobile app for the latest information.

Activists are also planning further demonstrations against police brutality and the extradition bill in the coming days. Medical workers will hold sit-ins at six hospitals on August 13. Supporters are being called to gather at the Dharma Assembly at 20:00 on Thursday, August 15, and at the Revenue Tower on Friday, August 16. A march is scheduled in Hung Hom-To Kwa Wan on Saturday, August 17, as well as a demonstration by teachers at Chater Garden starting at 11:00. The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) is organizing another march on Sunday, August 18, starting at 14:30 from Victoria Park to Chater road. A march from Tsuen Wan to Kwai Tsing is also expected to begin at 14:00 on the same day.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are to be expected near all protest sites. Clashes between police forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

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 The bill has been suspended, though not fully withdrawn.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 ignited 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. Protesters also clashed with police across Hong Kong on August 11, in a tenth consecutive weekend of anti-extradition bill protests in the city. Police reportedly fired tear gas and charged with batons at demonstrators across the city.

Advice

Individuals traveling via HKG are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations, prepare for lingering flight disruptions, and contact their airlines to confirm or modify flight reservations. Budget additional time to travel to the airport once normal flight operations resume at HKG.