Extra Checks Imposed At Airport Ahead Of Protest

Passengers arriving at Hong Kong airport were being subjected to extra checks on Friday as authorities implemented crowd control measures ahead of an expected mass extradition bill protest

Officials were only allowing those with valid travel documents for a flight within 24 hours to enter the check-in aisles at the departures hall.

Barriers had been set up and security staff were inspecting passengers’ travel documents. Airport staff were also subject to identity checks.

RTHK reporters at the scene said the arrangements appeared to be going smoothly so far.

An airport authority official said the measures implemented were to avoid overcrowding and they want to make sure that only genuine passengers enter the departure hall.

The official said tickets and passports were being checked twice when a passenger entered the area.

But no such extra measures were apparent at the arrival halls, where previous protests have been held.

The special measures followed internet calls for a three-day protest at the airport, demanding that the government respond to the five demands of anti-extradition protesters, including a complete withdrawal of the now-suspended extradition bill, as well as the setting up of an independent commission of inquiry to look into the saga.

The planned protest was to start at 1pm on Friday and end on Sunday.