Riot police stormed the Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday as protests by thousands of anti-government demonstrators forced flights to be canceled for the second straight day.
Travelers at one of the world’s busiest airports were advised that check-in had been suspended and hundreds flights were cancelled, and that they should leave the terminals as quickly as possible and contact airlines for more information.
The clashes appeared to represent an escalation 10 weeks after the protest’s massive, peaceful beginnings in early June, when hundreds of thousands marched in the semi-autonomous city against a now-suspended extradition bill. A Chinese official said Tuesday that protesters “have begun to show signs of terrorism,” and China appeared to be weighing a crackdown on the democratic movement.
Hong Kong’s airport struggled to reopen on Tuesday with more than 300 flights cancelled, a day after a pro-democracy protest brought the air transport hub to a complete standstill.
The city’s leader Carrie Lam denounced the demonstrations saying that “lawbreaking activites in the name of freedom” were damaging the rule of law, and that the Asian financial hub’s recovery from anti-government protests could take a long time.
On Tuesday morning, stranded passengers were seen lining up to catch their delayed flights, as airport authorities announced that it will implement rescheduling while blaming demonstrators for the disruption at one of the world’s busiest airports.
Hong Kong is preparing for massive flight cancellations, commuter chaos, traffic jams and service disruptions on Monday when the largest citywide strike in decades takes aim at public transport networks and crucial industries to protest against the government’s extradition bill fiasco.
The airport is expected to reduce flight operations to just one runway from two. Based on estimates, this could mean half of flights on Cathay Pacific Airways, the city’s flag carrier, could be affected, in the most direct blow to travellers, as concerns about the near nine-week anti-government protests gain international attention.
An international tourist died after he fell hundreds of feet into the Grand Canyon while trying to take photos on Thursday near the rim of Eagle Point, according to David Leibowitz, a spokesman for Grand Canyon West.
Leibowitz said a tour group from Hong Kong was visiting the Grand Canyon, and many of the tourists were taking photos very close to the rim of the canyon.
While attempting to snap a photo at Eagle Point, adjacent to the popular Skywalk attraction, a man from the group accidentally fell off the rim and into the canyon.
Passengers on board a United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Hong Kong had a lengthy stay on the tarmac after their flight was diverted to Goose Bay, Canada.
A medical emergency had originally caused the plane to divert. Once on the ground, the plane experienced mechanical issues.
Passengers were not allowed to leave the airplane because the Goose Bay Airport did not have a customs officer on duty during the overnight hours.
Overnight temperatures dropped to around 20 below zero. Passengers were finally able to get off the plane after 14 hours.
Hong KongHong KongA police officer carrying a girl to safety in Hong Kong on Sunday, when the city took a direct hit from Typhoon Mangkhut.CreditCreditLam Yik Fei/Getty Images
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The Best Time to Visit
Visit Hong Kong that is known for its subtropical climate. October, November and December are the most pleasant months to visit Hong Kong. Weather is cool, clear with plenty of sunshine. Temperature at this time of the year ranges between 60s and 70s.
Hong Kong Festivals & Events
Home to plenty of festivals and events, Hong Kong is always buzzing with vacationers. Visit this destination in the month of May and take part in the Cheung Chau Festival. Buddha’s Birthday is also one of the most exciting festivals of the Hong Kong, it also happens in the month of May.
Tips to Save on Travel to Hong Kong
Advance booking is the best way to get cheap flight to Hong Kong. Book 40 to 25 days in advance to grab cheap flights. Airlines such as Air Canada, Air Mauritius and British Airways offer discounts on airline tickets. The Airport Express Train is the safest and economical way for reaching the downtown.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – Opened in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is one of the most popular attractions among kids and teenagers. This resort is home to the most popular attraction that is Hong Kong Disneyland Park. Don’t forget to check out the Inspiration Lake for recreational purposes.
Hong Kong Museum of Art – Popular among art fanatics Hong Kong Museum of Art is a visual treat. Established in 1962, it showcases sculptures, calligraphy and paintings. These art items are mainly from China, Hong Kong and various parts of the world.
Hong Kong Science Museum Take your kids and teenagers to Hong Kong Science Museum. It is one of the most popular science-themed museums that showcase more than 500 exhibits. Don’t forget to check out the 22-m high twin-tower Energy Machine, it is one of the prominent exhibit of this museum.
Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre Check out the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, it is home to historic blocks S61 and S62 of the former Whitfield Barracks at the Kowloon Park.
