[190719.EN.AIR] HAFFA Warns Hong Kong Airport Disruption Hurts Cargo Hub Reputation

THE Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) has warned that the recent disruption to operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) could have a far reaching impact on the territory.

Protests at the airport have disrupted bellyhold cargo operations over the last three days and services are only now starting to return to normal.

HAFFA said it "strongly opposes" the "violent disruption" to the normal operations of HKIA.

"If such disruption continues, it will undermine Hong Kong's reputation as an international transportation hub and the world's busiest cargo airport," HAFFA said in a statement.

"It will have a far-reaching impact on Hong Kong and have a serious, adverse effect on the economy as a whole."

The association added that it respects the freedom to express opinions lawfully and peacefully and called on all parties to resolve their differences through rational dialogue and constructive communication.

Passenger flights from HKIA have re-started as the Asian hub has put extra security measures in place to limit protesters' access to terminals.

The airport grounded hundreds of flights on Monday and Tuesday as protesters swarmed into terminal areas. Freighter services were unaffected by the protests.

The Airport Authority has obtained an interim injunction to "restrain persons from unlawfully and wilfully obstructing or interfering with the proper use" of HKIA.

HKIA has also limited access to the airport terminals.

Only departure passengers with a valid air ticket or boarding pass for a flight in the next 24 hours and a valid travel document, or airport staff with relevant identification document will be allowed to enter the terminal buildings until further notice.

Checks will be set up at the entrance to terminal buildings.

The protests in Hong Kong, catalysed by a controversial extradition bill, have been ongoing for two months.

Source : HKSG.