The Board of Airline Representatives of Hong Kong evidently wrote a letter dated September 16 to the Hong Kong government asking a temporary relief from the parking and landing fees. The organization that represents more than 70 airlines, reportedly also asked waiver of rent along with other costs of operation. They collectively wrote to the government about waiving certain fees because most of the airlines are facing financial fallout. The number of passengers has decreased drastically due to the pro-democracy protests happening in Hong Kong. 

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Drop in demand

Purportedly, the BAR Chairman, Ronald Lam said that the airlines have witnessed a fall of demands in double digits in the month of August as compared to last year. Moreover, they are expecting the situation to get worst in the coming months. In order to combat the drop of travelers, the airlines evidently have already reduced or completely cut their services to and from Hong Kong. Several routes have proven to be unprofitable due to the decline in the number of passengers. However, the Airport Authority of Hong Kong and Hong Kong's Transport and Housing Bureau did not respond immediately. Cathay Pacific, an international airline faced a decrease of 11.3% in August during the ongoing demonstrations. Therefore, in this winter season, Cathay would cut its capacity.

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Passengers traffic and protests

Hong Kong was considered to be the home of the world's eighth airport with great passenger traffic in the year, 2017. According to the latest annual ranking by Airports Council International, the passengers' numbers have fallen by 11.5%. The protests usually took place in the road near Hong Kong airport earlier this month. The demonstrators burned barricades and damaged a train station as well. Most flights were either cancelled or delayed. The pro-democracy protesters are angered with the decreasing autonomy and civil liberties in Hong Kong. They were promised freedom that was not practised in China under the system of 'one country, two systems'. However, it is not the case and the demonstrations have often been confronted violently by the security forces. 

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