Dubai: Flights from Hong Kong to the UAE were ‘significantly delayed’ on Monday after Hong Kong Airport was closed due to ongoing anti-government protests.
Emirates
A notice on Emirates’ website said flight EK384 had been cancelled due to public protest and the closure of Hong Kong Airport. For further information passengers were asked to contact their booking office.
In an press statement to Gulf News, Emirates said, “Due to protests in Hong Kong International Airport on 12 August and subsequent direction from Hong Kong Airport Authorities to halt flights, Emirates flights EK384/ EK385 between Bangkok and Hong Kong on 12 August has been cancelled. Flights EK 386, EK 381 and EK 383 might also experience delays as a result of the protests. All other flights to/from Hong Kong remain unaffected as of now, however passengers are advised to regularly check the website for the latest flight schedules.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will continue to monitor the situation closely and update our customers if additional flights are affected.”
Etihad
A statement from Etihad Airways said: “Etihad Airways flight EY833 from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) has been significantly delayed due to the cancellation of all departing flights on Monday August 12, 2019 from Hong Kong International Airport, which was instructed by the airport authorities.
“We regret any inconvenience caused by this extended delay. The safety of our guests and crew is Etihad Airways’ highest priority. For further information, please call the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555666, or check the status of your flight on our website at etihad.com, or through our mobile app. Our Hong Kong office can also be contacted on +852 30 713 221 Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm.”
Hong Kong’s Airport Authority has cancelled all flights not yet checked in by Monday afternoon, as anti-government protesters peacefully demonstrated at the airport for a fourth day.
“Other than departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today,” the authority said in a statement, according to Reuters.
Traffic on roads to the airport was very congested and car park spaces were full, the authority said.
