Weeks after flights between the United Kingdom and India were suspended following the detection of a more infectious strain of the novel coronavirus, air services between the two countries resumed Friday.
Flights from the United Kingdom resumed today following the Government’s suspension of services between India and the United Kingdom on 23 December on the new and more infectious strain of the virus.
The 256 passengers on the Air India flight from the UK traveled to the national capital, Indira Gandhi International Airport, from London’s Heathrow Airport on Friday.
Flights from India to the United Kingdom resumed on Wednesday, as the number of people who tested positive for the new UK version increased to 73.
According to the government, 30 flights will operate per week-15 flights each by Indian and United Kingdom carriers. This will be until 23 January, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri said.
Delhi airport advised passengers to keep a distance of at least 10 hours between their arrival from the United Kingdom and the connecting flight to their cities.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the Center on Thursday to extend the ban on flights until 31 January because of the “extremely serious” COVID situation in the United Kingdom.
“The Centre has decided to lift the ban and start UK flights. In view of the extremely serious situation in the UK, I would urge the central government to extend the ban till January 31,” said Kejriwal.
“With great difficulty, people have brought the COVID situation in control. UK’s COVID situation is very serious. Now, why to lift the ban and expose our people to risk?” said the chief minister.
With great difficulty, people have brought COVID situation in control. UK’s COVID situation is v serious. Now, why lift ban and expose our people to risk? https://t.co/ql8WIXHFFa
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 7, 2021
In Delhi, 13 people tested positive for the new coronavirus variant.
The Civil Aviation Minister tweeted that a further frequency of flights will be decided after a review.
All passengers arriving from the United Kingdom between 8 January and 30 January will be subject to COVID-19 self-paid tests upon arrival. Passengers are now expected to carry out COVID-19 negative test reports 72 hours prior to travel and quarantine for 14 days even if they test negative on arrival, according to the new government SOP.
