Protesters Begin Three-day Rally At Chek Lap Kok

Anti-government protesters were back at the airport on Friday, for a three-day sit-in to take their messages over the extradition bill, demands for universal suffrage, and claims of police brutality directly to visitors arriving in the SAR.

Extra security measures had been put in place, with those flying out of Chek Lap Kok warned to expect to have show their tickets and passports twice before being allowed to get to the departure desks. Security checks were also being carried out on staff.

But it was downstairs in arrivals that the black-clad protesters were gathering, just as they did on July 26 for a similar demonstration that passed off peacefully.

Hundreds had turned up by 2pm on Friday, an hour after the protest began.

Leaflets explaining the reasons for the ongoing protests were piled up on the floor, along with signs warning that the police are carrying out "terrorist attacks" on people in Hong Kong and that visitors can expect to encounter tear gas during their stay in the city.

Protesters in masks wandered around the hall, displaying photos of the recent unrest, and one with a television screen strapped to his back to show people what is going on in the territory.

"I think this will be more peaceful than rallying on the streets as the police can't use their force [here], for example tear gas, to control order," one protester told RTHK.

"We are not bothering [visitors]. If they approach us, we will be very welcoming and try to explain the situation to them," she said, adding that if people aren't interested they will be left alone to continue their journeys.

A number of tourists RTHK spoke to appeared to be sympathetic towards the protesters, saying they understood their concerns, and that the rally was not affecting their trips.

But a woman surnamed Wu, who had gone to the airport to pick up a friend, ended up arguing with the protesters who she said were being incited by politicians and foreign officials.

"Our police have such a hard life. Our students as well, because they have been incited and have to come out and fight and run everyday. We just want Hong Kong to be calm and peaceful, and for everyone to have something to eat and jobs," she said.

Aviation officials stressed that despite the protest, the airport was operating normally.