Cathay Pacific cabin crews join today’s protests at Hong Kong airport
Cathay Pacific cabin crew have caused a stir by announcing that they are supporting anti-government protestors at Hong Kong International Airport today.
A group of several hundred protestors are holding up signs in the arrivals area of Terminal 1 to try to attract the attention of tourists landing in Hong Kong.
They are also handing out leaflets, translated into multiple languages including English, with a map listing areas of the city that have become protest hotspots, including the Central Government Office, Tamar Park and Mongkok.
"Here are some sites that best represent Hong Kong, where you can experience the determination of the anti-extradition Bill movement," it read.
Several large-scale protests have been taking place throughout Hong Kong in recent weeks, including in Kowloon and in various suburbs in the New Territories, after the Chinese government announced a new extradition bill.
Protestors plan to occupy the airport today until midnight local time.
Cathay Pacific’s cabin crew union said in a Facebook post yesterday that it would take part in a sit-in during today’s action at the airport. It has condemned the government’s handling of the extradition bill.
The post has led to some Chinese passengers calling on the airline to clarify its position.
Some state on China’s social media site Sina Weibo that they would boycott the airline if it didn’t ‘denounce illegal activities’.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office is warning travellers that today’s protest could cause disruption. In an update to its travel advice, it said trips to and from the airport could be affected as a result. Travellers are urged to allow more time for their journeys.
The Foreign Office said: "If you have any queries about the situation, you should contact your airline or the airport authority on +852 2181 8888."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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