New Delhi (NVI): Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today announced that India has extended the temporary suspension of all flights to and from the United Kingdom till January 7, 2021.
This development comes amid reports of 14 more positive cases of the new COVID-19 variant being found in India, taking the number to 20.
Taking to Twitter, Puri said, “Decision has been taken to extend the temporary suspension of flights to and from the UK till 7 January 2021. Thereafter strictly regulated resumption will take place for which details will be announced shortly.”
Decision has been taken to extend the temporary suspension of flights to & from the UK till 7 January 2021.
Thereafter strictly regulated resumption will take place for which details will be announced shortly.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) December 30, 2020
Yesterday while addressing the media, the Aviation Minister said that a small extension was possible on suspension of flights.
Puri stated, “We have started applying our minds on the flight ban. I can only see now that there may be a slight extension in the deadline. I, however, do not see a long or indefinite extension. It may be a small extension.”
Last week, India had suspended all flights from UK until the end of the month as the new strain of the coronavirus detected in Britain triggered widespread concern and travel restrictions across the world.
India and UK operate over 60 weekly flights by four airlines namely Air India, Vistara, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic which carry almost 2,000-2,500 passengers on a daily basis in these flights.
-RJV
