Hong Kong airport cancels all flights over protests

Hong Kong International Airport cancelled all departures on Monday, as thousands of anti-government protesters occupied and caused disruption, BBC reports.

Passengers have been told not to travel to the airport, which is one of the world's busiest transport hubs.

In a statement, officials blamed "seriously disrupted" operations.

Many of those protesting are critical of the actions of police, who on Sunday were filmed firing tear gas and non-lethal ammunition at close range.

Some protesters wore bandages over their eyes in response to images of a woman bleeding heavily from her eye on Sunday, having reportedly been shot by a police projectile.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, Hong Kong's Airport Authority said they were cancelling all flights that were not yet checked in.

More than 160 flights scheduled to leave after 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT) will now not depart.

Officials said arrivals already heading into Hong Kong would still be allowed to land, but other scheduled flights have been cancelled.

On Sunday afternoon, a peaceful rally in the city's Victoria Park led to clashes when protesters moved out of the area and marched along a major road despite a police ban.

There were confrontations in several central districts and police used non-lethal bullets in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators.

A number of people, including a police officer, were injured in the clashes.