Cathay falls as China scrutinises airline over staff protests

SYDNEY: Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. shares headed for a decade low in Hong Kong trading after Chinese authorities hit out at the airline because its employees joined anti-Beijing protests.

China’s civil aviation authority, or CAAC, issued a swathe of demands on Friday to Hong Kong’s dominant airline, an indication that Beijing is prepared to take action against corporations seen as supporting -- or at least tolerating -- staff participation in the city’s long-running protests. The move also signaled China is warning Hong Kong businesses and their workers to stay out of politics.