
Hong Kong's Airport Authority has cancelled all flights in and out of the city today after more than 5,000 protesters descended on the terminal building to denounce police violence in a new rally.

'Other than departure flights that have completed the check- in process and the arrival flights already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today,' the authority said in a statement.

The cancellation period is due to extend until 6am tomorrow morning local time.

The demonstration comes after another weekend of protests at Hong Kong's bustling international airport and on the streets of one of the city's main shopping districts where rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets were fired.

One female protester faces losing her right eye after being shot in the face with a bean bag round during a clash between police and demonstrators on Sunday, according to reports.

The incident sparked more anger among protesters who have demonstrated at the airport since Friday. Images of blood pouring from the woman's face as she lay on a pavement quickly went viral and featured in posters calling for demonstrations under the banner: 'an eye for an eye'.

Shocking footage from local news outlet Apple Daily shows police firing what are believed to be bean bag rounds to a group of protesters from within a metre inside a subway station, the report said.

The incident was said to take place at around 11pm yesterday in the Tai Koo Station, part of Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system. The clip also shows anti-riot police chasing protesters on escalators and brutally beating them with batons.

Beijing today slammed violent protesters who had thrown petrol bombs at police officers and likened them to 'terrorism'. In addition, Hong Kong police demonstrated an anti-riot water cannon which could be used on activists.

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All remaining flights out of Hong Kong International Airport on Monday have been cancelled after protesters swarmed to a terminal building to stage a sit-in. Pictured, demonstrators surround banners that read: 'Those charge to the street on today is brave!' (centre top) and 'Release all the detainees!' during the peaceful rally at the arrival hall of the airport today

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters have started three days of rallies at the city's busy airport since Friday. The city's streets witnessed another weekend of violent clashes between activists and police. One female demonstrator faces losing her eye after being hit by a bean bag round by the police in Tsim Sha Tsui on Sunday. The incident has sparked more anger in public

A protester covers her one eye with a gauze during the mass demonstration at Hong Kong International Airport today after news of a woman shot in the eye during a protest shocked the financial hub. Pro-democracy leaders were calling for as many as one million people to head to the Hong Kong airport today after 40 people were injured across the city over the weekend

A protester lays on the floor as she occupies the arrival hall of the Hong Kong International Airport during the mass demonstration today. Police have also reported injuries among their ranks during weekend's clashes, including eye irritation from laser pointers and burns from a petrol bomb. The city's anti-extradition-bill protests have lasted 10 weeks so far

Hong Kong's Airport Authority has cancelled all flights not yet checked in by Monday afternoon and said traffic on roads to the airport was very congested and car park spaces were full. Demonstrators attend a protest at the departure hall today

Cathay Pacific said on Saturday it had suspended a pilot charged with rioting and sacked two employees for misconduct in cases that are apparently related to the ongoing protests. Beijing ordered the airline to suspend the staff on Friday

Disturbing image. A woman got hit in her eye by projectile fired from the #TsimShaTsui police station. Reports said it was a bean bag round that went through her goggles. Online sources said her eyeball has burst & she might be permanently blind in one eye. #HongKongProtests pic.twitter.com/fuY2Ebvo53 — Frances Sit (@frances_sit) August 11, 2019

Amnesty International is calling on Hong Kong police to exercise restraint, especially in confined areas, after the violent clashes over the weekend.

Man-Kei Tam, Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong said: 'Hong Kong police have once again used tear gas and rubber bullets in a way that has fallen short of international standards.

'Firing at retreating protesters in confined areas where they had little time to leave goes against the purported objective of dispersing a crowd.

'The Hong Kong police have once again demonstrated how not to police a protest. Violence directed at police does not give officers a green light to operate outside of international policing standards.

'Any heavy-handed policing approach will only increase tension and provoke hostility, leading to the overall escalation of the situation.'

The police attempted to fend off criticism Monday about widely shared videos from Sunday night's clashes, including graphic images of a woman who was shot in the eye and of an arrest in which officers dressed like protesters pinned a bleeding demonstrator to the ground.

Deputy Commissioner Tang Ping-keung acknowledged that police use decoy officers in some operations but would not go into details.

'Our decoy officers do not take part in any unlawful activities,' Tang insisted.

Police confirmed that officers fired one shot of tear gas into a train station Sunday, saying it was necessary to disperse violent protesters. Addressing criticism of riot police firing pepper spray pellets at close range, officials said the weapon was not lethal but they would review the incident.

They said they were still gathering evidence about whether a young female protester who was pictured with a bleeding eye was hit by police.

Shocking footage from local news outlet Apple Daily shows police firing what are believed to be rounds of bean bag to a group of protesters from within a metre inside a subway station, the report said. The incident took place last night in Taikoo

The clip filmed at a subway station also shows police chasing protesters on escalators and violently beating them with batons

Multiple people were reportedly detained and injured during the clash at Taikoo Station at 11pm last night, Apple Daily said

A combination picture shows anti-extradition bill protesters wearing an eyepatch in reference to a demonstrator that was injured at previous day's clashes with police during a protest in the city centre. Doctors said the protester could lose her eye

Protesters walk on a highway near Hong Kong's international airport following a protest against the alleged police brutality and the controversial extradition bill. The Hong Kong airport authority has cancelled all inbound and outbound flights today

Hong Kong has been rocked by protests over the past months against a now-suspended bill that would allow people to be extradited from the city to stand trial in Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China.

The mass display of opposition to the bill has morphed into a wider pro-democracy movement that has thrown down the most significant challenge to Beijing's authority since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific today warned its staff that they could be fired if they 'support or participate in illegal protests' as the airline comes under pressure from Beijing.

The warning follows new regulations imposed by China's aviation regulator, which requires the airline company to submit manifests of staff on flights to the mainland or through its airspace.

Protesters distribute poster to travelers as thousands of protesters stage a sit-in protest at the Hong Kong airport today

Travelers gather at the closed check-in counters. The cancellation period is due to extend until tomorrow morning local time

The Hong Kong airport says it will restart flights starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday after it completely shut down operations when thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators occupied its main terminal. Passengers are pictured stranded at the airport

In the early afternoon, shops in the hall began to shut as the protest swelled, but well-organised volunteers moved through the crowd distributing water and food to the mostly young protesters. Pictured, protesters stage a sit-in protest in the airport

Cathay Pacific said on Saturday it had suspended a pilot charged with rioting and sacked two ground employees for misconduct in cases that are apparently related to the ongoing protests that have stretched into their 10th week with no sign of ending.

Hong Kong is at a critical juncture after two months of anti-government street protests and violence there must stop, China's Hong Kong and Macau affairs office said on Monday.

Increasingly restive protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis in decades, posing a challenge to the central government in Beijing.

Yang Guang, a spokesman for the office in Beijing, delivered a televised address in which he backed police handling of the protests and said that those who care about the city should come out against violence.

All flights in and out of Hong Kong on Monday have been cancelled after thousands of pro-democracy protesters flooded the city's airport to denounce police violence. Pictured, anti-extradition bill protesters rally at the departure hall of the airport

A passenger waits at the departure hall as protesters rally at the terminal building. The abrupt shutdown at one of the world's busiest hubs came as the Chinese government denounced some of the violent demonstrations as 'terrorism'

Passengers wait at the departure gate of Hong Kong airport as anti-extradition bill protesters occupy the floor during a protest today. 'Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today,' the airport authority said in a statement

A man looks at the flight information board shows outbound flights was cancel at the Hong Kong International airport

Passengers arrive at the departure gate as anti-extradition bill protesters rally at of Hong Kong International Airport

At the airport, protesters gathered and hold signs including 'Hong Kong is not safe' and 'Shame on police'. They were responding to allegations that police were using increasingly violent tactics to suppress protests.

'Hong Kong's radical demonstrators have repeatedly used extremely dangerous tools to attack police officers, which already constitutes a serious violent crime, and also shows the first signs of terrorism emerging,' said Yang Guang.

'This wantonly tramples on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order.'

On Friday, Beijing told Cathay Pacific that staff involved in the protests that have gripped Hong Kong for more than two months would be banned from flights to the mainland.

The airline has already said it will comply with those regulations, citing the importance of its business in China and the requirement to adhere to local rules.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO FLY TO HONG KONG FROM THE UK? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW All departing flights from Hong Kong International Airport Authority have been cancelled until Tuesday morning. A spokesperson from Cathay Pacific, which flies direct services between the UK and the city, said: 'Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have been informed by the Hong Kong International Airport Authority that all departing flights are cancelled today, Monday 12 August, effective immediately. The cancellation period will extend until the morning of tomorrow, Tuesday 13 August. This is as a result of the public assembly taking place at Hong Kong International Airport. 'Customers are therefore advised to postpone non-essential travel both today (12 August) and tomorrow (13 August) and should not proceed to the airport. Our flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Dublin are expected to be impacted on 13 August. Hong Kong airport cancelled all flights in and out of the city on Monday after 5,000 protesters descended on the terminal building 'With immediate effect, rebooking and rerouting charges will be waived for all tickets issued worldwide (irrespective of fare type) on or before 12 August for travel with Cathay Pacific on a confirmed booking arriving to and departing from Hong Kong on 12 and 13 August. 'All passengers are urged to check their Flight Status. To receive the latest flight status updates via SMS or email, customers are advised to update their contact details in Manage Booking. They can also download our app for iOS or Android and enable push notifications. 'Please visit our Flight delays and cancellations page, to understand our service recovery during disruptions. 'While disruption events like these can change significantly and at short notice, rest assured we are doing everything we can in advance to minimise the impact to customers. 'Our customer service hotline is 0800 917 8260.' Virgin Atlantic said that it has cancelled its Hong Kong to London Heathrow flight, the VS207, today (August 12). A spokesperson said: 'Our flights from London Heathrow to Hong Kong are still operating as planned. We'd like to apologise to our customers for the delay this will cause and advise anyone due to travel from Hong Kong to check our website for the latest information.' The VS1207 - due for departure at 00:55 local on August 13 - is currently scheduled to depart as planned. Virgin Atlantic is urging its customers to check its website for further updates. British Airways said: ‘Like all airlines, our two flights today from Hong Kong to Heathrow are affected by the disruption at Hong Kong International Airport. We apologise to customers affected by the disruption at the airport and we are offering them options to rebook to a different date or to take a full refund.’ Advertisement

Some of the 5,000 activists occupying the airport's arrivals hall for a fourth day went to the departure area and caused disruptions, Hong Kong police told a news conference, but declined to say if they would move to clear the demonstrators

The increasingly violent protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled territory into its most serious crisis in decades, presenting Chinese leader Xi Jinping with one of his biggest popular challenges since he came to power in 2012. Pictured, protesters hold signboards to condemn police violence and caution incoming travellers at the city's bustling today

One protester holds a modified Hong Kong subway map. Tear gas was deployed in central Hong Kong on both sides of Victoria Harbour, in the Tsim Sha Tsui area on the Kowloon side and in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island over the weekend

Protesters hold placards in foreign languages, including Japanese and Korean, as they occupy the arrival hall of the airport

Monday's rally came as China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs office said the city had reached a critical juncture and after police had made a show of demonstrating a powerful water cannon. One protester is seen accusing police of using violence

But in a Monday message to staff, chief executive Rupert Hogg reiterated that Cathay Pacific employees would also face 'disciplinary consequences' if they get involved in the pro-democracy protests.

'Cathay Pacific Group has a zero tolerance approach to illegal activities. Specifically, in the current context, there will be disciplinary consequences for employees who support or participate in illegal protests,' Hogg wrote.

'These consequences could be serious and may include termination of employment.'

Hogg also specifically warned employees not to support or participate in the new protest at Hong Kong airport today.

And he reminded staff that the 'actions and words of our employees made outside of working hours can have a significant effect on the company.'

Hong Kong is at a critical juncture after two months of anti-government street protests and violence there must stop, China's Hong Kong and Macau affairs office said on Monday. Pictured, protesters demonstrate at the airport in Hong Kong today

Increasingly restive protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis in decades, posing a challenge to the central government in Beijing. Pictured, demonstrators hold up placards to protest against alleged police brutality

Yang Guang, a spokesman for the office in Beijing, delivered a televised address in which he backed police handling of the protests and said that those who care about the city should come out against violence. Pictured, anti-extradition bill protesters try to get close to the security gates during a mass demonstration today after a woman was shot in the eye

Hong Kong has experienced more than two months of mass protests calling for democratic reforms and an independent enquiry into police conduct. Pictured, anti-extradition bill protesters attend a mass demonstration at the airport today

The protest movement's demands also include the resignation of the Chinese territory's leader and an election for her successor. Hong Kong, a former British colony, was returned to China in 1997 under the 'one country, two systems' principle

The protests in Hong Kong have infuriated Beijing and left Cathay Pacific in a difficult position.

It has already suspended a pilot who has been accused of rioting after allegedly participating in the Hong Kong protests.

And it said Saturday that it had fired two airport ground staff, without specifying why. Local media reported that they were accused of leaking the travel details of a Hong Kong police football team that was travelling to the mainland.

The firm is facing a boycott call in China, and its shares dropped more than four percent in Hong Kong trade on Monday.

Over the weekend, protesters hurled bricks at officers and ignored warnings to leave before tear gas was deployed in the Sham Shui Po area, police said, calling a march there an 'unauthorised assembly'. Pictured, a man watches over the huge crowd of protesters gathering at the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport today as the city's protests continue

Protesters gather to condemn the city's police after one female was shot by a bean bag round in the right eye on Sunday

Tear gas was also deployed in Hong Kong on both sides of Victoria Harbour, in the Tsim Sha Tsui area on the Kowloon side and in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island. At one point, protesters blocked the entrance to a plaza to prevent police from entering. Pictured, protesters occupy the arrival hall of the Hong Kong International Airport today after another weekend of clashes

A train station in Kwai Fong filled with smoke after about a dozen police officers fired tear gas inside. It was not clear how many protesters were inside the station at the time, but it has been rare for officers to fire tear gas indoors

During the protests over the weekend, website Hong Kong Free Press showed footage of one arrest that appeared to include officers pinning a demonstrator to the ground. The young man, who said his name was Chow Ka-lok and asked for a lawyer, was shown with a bleeding head wound and said he had a broken tooth.

Another female demonstrator was hit by a beanbag round fired by police in Tsim Sha Tsui during a clash on Sunday. An ER doctor said the woman's right eyeball was ruptured and there were fears she could lose her eye, according to South China Morning Post.

Pro-democracy leaders were calling for as many as one million people to head to the Hong Kong airport after 40 people were injured across the city during violent confrontations, the report said.

A protester is surrounded by riot police in the Tsim Sha Tsui area on August 11. Pro-democracy protesters have continued rallies against a controversial extradition bill since June 9, when the city was plunged into crisis after waves of demonstrations and several violent clashes

Protesters take cover from tear gas and rubber bullets fired from the police station in the Tsim Sha Tsui area after another evening of clashes with police

Protesters use a slingshot during more clashes with police at a demonstration in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. More protests are planned for later in the week

A protester is held down by riot police after a demonstration. Chants of 'Liberate Hong Kong' had earlier echoed through the streets

Police have also reported injuries among their ranks, including eye irritation from laser pointers and burns from a petrol bomb.

Protesters hurled bricks at officers and ignored warnings to leave before tear gas was deployed in the Sham Shui Po area, police said, calling a march there an 'unauthorised assembly'.

Tear gas was also deployed in central Hong Kong on both sides of Victoria Harbour, in the Tsim Sha Tsui area on the Kowloon side and in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island. At one point, protesters blocked the entrance to a plaza to prevent police from entering.

A train station in Kwai Fong filled with smoke after about a dozen police officers fired tear gas inside. It was not clear how many protesters were inside the station at the time, but it has been rare for officers to fire tear gas indoors.

Earlier, a large group of mostly young protesters marched down the middle of Hennessey Road, a main shopping street in the Causeway Bay area, as a rally was held in nearby Victoria Park. Many wore face masks to shield their identities, and a few had helmets. Others just carried backpacks over the black T-shirts that have become their uniform.

The protest movement's demands include the resignation of the Chinese territory's leader, Carrie Lam, democratic elections for her successor, the release of those arrested in earlier protests and an investigation into police use of force.

A former British colony, Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 under the principle of 'one country, two systems,' which promises the city certain democratic rights not afforded to people on the mainland. But in recent years, some have accused the Communist Party-ruled central government of steadily chipping away at their freedoms.

Anti-extradition bill protesters react from tear gas as riot police try to disperse them during a protest at Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong in the 10th week of violent showdowns

Police arrest anti-government protesters during a rally in Sham Shui Po in yet another day of demonstrations that has plunged Hong Kong into its most serious crisis in decades

Protesters with umbrellas and homemade shields as they face with riot policemen on a street in Hong Kong as police fired tear gas late Sunday afternoon to try to disperse a demonstration

Pro-Democracy protesters throw back tear gas fired by the police during a demonstratrion against the controversial extradition bill in Sham Shui Po district

An anti-extradition bill protester throws a tear gas canister during a demonstration in Wan Chai neighbourhood in Hong Kong

Police officers fire tear gas as anti-extradition bill protesters demonstrate in Sham Shui Po neighbourhood in Hong Kong

Banners at the rally in Victoria Park read 'Give Hong Kong back to us' and 'Withdraw the evil law,' the latter a reference to an extradition bill that was the original spark for the protests. A large crowd sat under umbrellas, which are both a protest symbol in Hong Kong and protection from the summer heat.

At the airport, a flight attendant protesting on his day off, who gave only his surname, Lau, said heavy-handed police tactics had alienated some among the public.

'The police have told a lot of lies to Hong Kong people. We cannot believe them anymore. We have to come here to protest,' Lau said. China has reportedly threatened to bar air crew who take part in protests from its air space.

Another protester, who identified herself only as Bea, said she had taken the day off work to express her outrage.

'I feel that I have to do something… It's just too sad to see what has happened. The police action has gone totally nonsensical,' she said.