Hong Kong airport cancels flights as protests continue for the second day

    Bearing batons and pepper spray, Hong Kong riot police officers clashed with anti-government protesters who crippled the airport on Tuesday for the second straight day, chaos that underscored the deepening unrest gripping the city.READ MORE: Ebola drugs show 90% survival rate

    The mayhem at the airport -- in the Asian financial hub known for efficiency and order -- came hours after mass protests forced the airport to suspend check-ins, as it had done on Monday. The city’s embattled leader, Carrie Lam, had pleaded earlier for order after days of escalating street violence.

   Thousands of demonstrators had occupied parts of Hong Kong International Airport’s departures and arrivals halls on Tuesday afternoon, with some using luggage trolleys to block travelers from reaching their departure gates. The Hong Kong Airport Authority later closed check-in services and advised all passengers to leave as soon as possible.