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IPFS News Link • China

AIRPORT CHAOS Hong Kong airport cancels ALL flights today as protesters storm terminal demanding end

• The Sun

AIRPORT authorities in Hong Kong have cancelled all remaining flights today after protesters swarmed the main terminal.

Some protesters wore bandages over their eyes in solidarity of a woman who was shot yesterday by police during demonstrations.

 Thousands of demonstrators sit in the main terminal of Hong Kong's international airport

Thousands of demonstrators sit in the main terminal of Hong Kong's international airportCredit: Reuters

 Clashes between police and protesters became violent over the weekend

Clashes between police and protesters became violent over the weekendCredit: AP:Associated Press

Images circulated on social media of the woman bleeding heavily from her right eye - which doctors now fear she may lose.

The doctor treating her told the South China Morning Post: "I can confirm her injury is really serious."

It is the fourth consecutive day thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the airport and it is the biggest disruption to the territory since protests began in early June.

Hong Kong international airport is one of the busiest in the world and officials said the demonstration "seriously disrupted" airport operations.

In a statement on its website it reads: "Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted, all flights have been cancelled.

"All passengers are advised to leave the terminal buildings as soon as possible. Affected passengers please contact their respective airlines for flight arrangement."

It added that all check-in services for departing flights had been suspended, while incoming flights were also being diverted or cancelled, according to CNN.

The UK Foreign Office has warned today: "A protest at Hong Kong Airport on 12 August has resulted in the cancellation of all flights out of Hong Kong for the remainder of 12 August.

"The airport authorities advise members of the public not to travel to the airport."

'EYE FOR AN EYE'

Thousands of demonstrators carried signs that read "an eye for an eye" and "stop shooting eyes" as they shouted "shame on police" during today's sit in.

China issued a strong statement today, saying protesters have committed serious crimes and showed signs of "terrorism".

Yang Guang, a spokesman for China's Hong Kong and Macau affairs office, backed the police handling of the protests and said those who care about the city should come out against violence in a televised address.

Cathay Pacific staff were warned today they could be fired if they "support or participate in illegal protests" in Hong Kong.

Chief executive Rupert Hogg of the airline, Hong Kong's flagship carrier, emailed today saying there was "zero tolerance approach to illegal activities" and there would be "disciplinary consequences"  that could include "termination of employment".

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