Flights are being canceled at Hong Kong International Airport, where thousands of activists have gathered to block roads.

At the same time, the region is trying to recover from last night's violent clashes.

Protest organizers have called on the public to block roads and train lines to the airport on Sunday and Monday, after a chaotic night of clashes with police.

Black-clad protesters are building barriers at the airport's bus station and destroying surveillance cameras, while hiding from the cameras with the help of umbrellas.

At least 16 departures have been canceled according to the airport's website, and the departure hall is crowded with passengers who have had difficulty getting there.

Trains to the airport were canceled earlier in the day, the rail operator MTR announced, at the request of the Hong Kong government and the Civil Aviation Authority, according to a notice at the stations.

The Hong Kong police say they are prepared to launch an operation to disperse the protesters, and are urging them via Facebook to leave the airport area immediately.

On Saturday, the police had banned demonstrations, but many defied the ban and some started fires in the streets and threw bricks at the police.

On Saturday evening and into the night, police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets, while activists threw petrol bombs and other objects. Police said two warning shots were fired into the air to scare away a group of protesters who had surrounded them and tried to take their weapons. It is the second time weapons have been fired in more than three months of unrest.

The ongoing protests began in the spring to stop a bill that would have allowed the extradition of suspected criminals to mainland China. In July, Hong Kong's top politician announced that the bill would not go ahead - but the protesters were not satisfied. The protests have since become more generally about Beijing's increased involvement in the region.

Source: TT