A city-wide strike in Hong Kong is causing a number of travel disruptions. The Hong Kong Tourism Board is warning travelers headed to Hong Kong International Airport to check with their airlines for the latest flight information, and to proceed to the airport only when their seats and flight time have been confirmed. Additionally, service on MTR, Hong Kong’s light rail service, is also likely to be disrupted, including Airport Express Services. As a result, travelers should allow for additional time to get to the airport.
A number of airlines have also been forced to cancel flights due to the strikes, and have issued change waivers:
Air Canada is allowing customers scheduled to fly through Hong Kong August 5 to change their travel arrangements without penalty.
Hong Kong Airlines will offer a one-time waiver for a change of date for affected passengers scheduled to fly August 5 – 7. All change requests must be made on or before August 18 and prior to departure, and the rebooked travel date must be on or before November 30.
The MTR light rail is also warning of a number of service diversions due to large crowds gathered during the Tin Yiu stop:
- Route 705 is diverted and will not stop between Tin Shui and Tin Yiu stops;
- Route 706 is diverted and will not stop between Tin Yiu and Tin Shui stops;
- Route 751 both directions is diverted and will not stop between Hang Mei Tsuen and Ginza stops;
- Route 761P both directions is diverted and will not stop between Hang Mei Tsuen and Tin Shui stops.
- Free MTR Shuttle Bus service is running between Hung Shui Kiu and Tin Shui Wai to carry affected passengers.
Additionally, on the Tsuen Wan Line, additional trains are being arranged on a continual basis for passengers to leave Kwai Fong, Lai Chi Kok, Cheung Sha Wan and Sham Shui Po stations. Other trains will not stop at Kwai Fong, Lai Chi Kok, Cheung Sha Wan and Sham Shui Po stations.
According to the BBC, the flight cancellations and travel disruptions come during the ninth week of protests in Hong Kong. The protests, which began over a controversial extradition law, have grown into a wider challenge to Beijing’s authority over the city. On August 5 protestors have blocked roads and disrupted train service during peak times.
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