A Chinese mainland couple were arrested for attacking police officers after their flight was delayed at Hong Kong International Airport on July 5, Southern Metropolis Daily reported on Monday.

The 35-year-old husband, surnamed Xu, is a librarian and his wife surnamed Wan, 34, comes from Jiangsu province.

The couple checked in at the Cathay Pacific counter at about 3 pm, but the flight was delayed.

Around 9 pm, Xu asked the staff at the counter about the flight status and became involved in exchanges with staff members. He then threw water at two members of the airline's staff, who then called the police.

Xu was arrested and faces charges of criminal damage. His wife was also arrested after she pushed a police officer onto the ground.

Their flight was delayed for 16 hours. The delayed passengers were put up in a hotel.