Hong Kong braced for multiple anti-government demonstrations on Friday and a “stress test” of the airport this weekend, as protests in the Chinese-ruled city showed no signs of let-up and diplomatic tension between China and some Western nations rose.
The airport, built on reclaimed land and reached by train or a highway over a series of spectacular interlocking bridges, was forced to close last week and hundreds of flights were canceled or rescheduled when protesters and police clashed.
“Go to the airport by different means, including MTR, airport bus, taxi, bike and private car to increase pressure on airport transport,” protest organizers wrote online.
The Airport Authority published a half-page advertisement in major newspapers urging young people to “love Hong Kong” and said it opposed acts that blocked and interfered with operation of the airport, adding that it would keep working to maintain smooth operations.
Hong Kong’s high court extended an order restricting protests at the airport.