Six flights from Singapore cancelled as protest at Hong Kong airport continues; all flights from Hong Kong cancelled

An electronic board showing cancelled flights at Hong Kong's international airport on Aug 12, 2019. Six flights from Singapore to Hong Kong were cancelled as a result of the sit-in. PHOTO: AP
Pro-democracy protesters gather during a demonstration against police brutality and the controversial extradition bill at Hong Kong's international airport on Aug 12, 2019. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

SINGAPORE - Six flights from Singapore to Hong Kong were cancelled on Monday (Aug 12) as protesters continued to stage a sit-in at Hong Kong International Airport.

Three flights departing from Changi operated by Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific Airways were cancelled. The flights were initially scheduled to depart at 4.05pm, 6pm and 8.10pm.

Two flights operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) were also cancelled - one was scheduled to leave at 6.30pm enroute to San Francisco and the other at 7.55pm for Hong Kong.

Scoot also cancelled its 4.55pm flight, according to the Changi Airport Group (CAG) website.

The flight disruptions followed an announcement by the Hong Kong authorities on Monday afternoon that all flights out of Hong Kong were cancelled. Media reports said at least 130 departing flights were affected.

Said CAG spokesman Ivan Tan: "Singapore residents have been advised to return home or not to leave for the airport given the current situation. Those who had checked in have been allowed to collect their baggage."

"Non-residents have been advised to check with their airline regarding options available to them which may include alternate flights to their final destination for those who were going to transit in Hong Kong," Mr Tan added.

In a statement issued in the evening, the Hong Kong airport authorities said flights could resume early Tuesday, depending on operations.

"Depending on the recovery of airport operations, the Airport Authority and airlines will start reassigning flights from 6am, and flights taking off and landing will be affected," the Airport Authority said.

It also called on passengers to check for the latest flight status through their website and through their airlines, and also to make sure flights were confirmed before heading for the airport.

There are 20 departures and arrivals scheduled on Tuesday between Singapore and Hong Kong.

Pro-democracy protesters gather during a demonstration against police brutality and the controversial extradition bill at Hong Kong's international airport on Aug 12, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

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