An unruly passenger at Hong Kong International Airport has been arrested after he went on a rampage, attacking self-service check-in kiosks with a Tensabarrier pole early on Monday morning.
The 35-year-old British suspect has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of what is known as a Part 1 poison – in this case, some Viagra pills that were found on the man, for which he didn’t have a prescription.
The wild scenes unfolded after the man apparently turned up at the airport to buy a ticket to leave Hong Kong.
Potentially suffering a mental health crisis, the man lost his temper and started attacking the self-service check-in machines, knocking several over before attacking them with a metal pole.
Worried onlookers scurried away as airport police rushed to the scene.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Hong Kong Airport commented: “Airport Authority staff and airport security personnel rushed to the scene and warned the man to stop causing further damage.”
The statement added: “Police have arrested the man and launched an investigation.”
If charged and found guilty, the man faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for criminal damage and up to two years in prison for possession of the four Viagra pills without a prescription.
The man is believed to have entered Hong Kong in November 2025 as a tourist. Britons are permitted to enter Hong Kong for up to six months without a visa.
On Sunday, China confirmed that it would allow British citizens to enter the mainland for up to 30 days visa-free for tourism, business, or visits to family and friends.
Visa-free travel for Brits visiting China is due to take effect on February 17, following a diplomatic visit to the country last month by Prime Minister Kier Starmer. The policy will, however, only be in place, at least temporarily, until December 31, 2026.
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