DFA tells Filipinos to avoid HK int’l airport due to violent mass actions

Department of Foreign Affairs. (Photo from the DFA Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday advised traveling Filipinos to temporarily avoid the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) due to violent protests currently affecting the area. 

“It advises Filipino travelers who have no urgent business in Hong Kong to avoid HKIA as a destination or transit airport for the meantime,” DFA said in a statement.

READ: DFA to Filipinos in HK: ‘Exercise extreme caution’ amid protests

The DFA said Filipino travelers departing from Hong Kong should contact their airlines at least five hours before their scheduled fights to ensure if their flights will push through.

Here are the airlines’ hotlines in Hong Kong:

Philippine Airlines: (+852) 2769.7123

Cebu Pacific: (+852) 3973.3800

Cathay Pacific: (+852) 2747.3333

DFA’s consulate also bared the following schedule of protests in Hong Kong:

• Aug. 17 – Chater Garden, Central to Central Government Offices, Admiralty; Hung Hom Pier to Sung Wong Toi Garden, Kowloon
• Aug. 18 – Victoria Park, Causeway Bay to Chater Road, Central
• Aug. 19 – “Clean up MTR carriages”
• Aug. 25 – Kwai Tiang Theatre, Kwai Chung to Tsuen Wan Park

The DFA also cautioned Filipinos to avoid these areas during protests and refrain from wearing clothing that could link them to the protesters or activists.

The department also encouraged Filipinos to contact the Consulate General at (+852) 9155-4023 in case of emergencies.

DFA noted that it is also monitoring the developments of the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. /jpv

READ: Battle for the soul of a city — Hong Kong’s protests explained