HK Airport Authority bans protests in short term

Hong Kong International Airport will ban demonstrations as a short-term measure after its operations were shut down by mass anti-government protests for two days, culminating in violent confrontation with police on Tuesday.

Fred Lam Tin-fuk, Airport Authority CEO, made the remarks at the government's inter-departmental news conference on Tuesday, hours after an injunction order issued by the court took effect at the airport from 2 pm.

The injunction order bans anyone from intentionally disrupting airport operations.

"The priority of the Airport Authority is to ensure a smooth operation of the airport and security of passengers and staff members," Lam said.

A total of 979 flights were cancelled over the last two days, Lam said, noting the entire aviation industry would be adversely affected if the situation continued.

Both Lam and Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan condemned the protesters' violence at the airport.

Chan said that violent acts have already crossed the line of what's considered a peaceful assembly, adding that violence posed security threats to the public, including passengers and protesters.

Society must say no to violence, Chan said.