Hong Kong, Aug 12 (TIWN) Authorities at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), one of the world's busiest, cancelled all flights out of the city on Monday after thousands of anti-government protesters occupied the airport terminal building, following another weekend of clashes with the police.

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.