Traffic Controllers Join Strike, Many Flights Hit

Operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been hit severely as one-third of air traffic controllers have joined the ongoing anti-extradition bill protest.

One of the busiest airports in the world has drastically reduced its flight operations and using just one runway from the usual two.

Over 200 flights to and from Hong Kong have already been cancelled on Monday morning and the Airport Authority warned that the planned strike might affect not only airlines but airport operations.

It advised passengers to check with their airlines for the latest information, and only proceed to the airport when their seats and flight time have been confirmed.

City check-in desks for the airport rail line were disrupted earlier because of the strike.

Like most travellers, Stephanie Walker from Scotland had arrived early at the airport.

"I think it’s good that people are saying their opinions about what they think. As a traveller, I think I support them, because people should have the right to say what they think. It did not affect us when we were here," she said.

Some airline counters are crowded with passengers, and AA personnel set up iron bars to control crowds at the counter entrances and exits.

The MTR Corporation announced that services on the Airport Express was suspended for a while but their check-in counters remained closed.

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