Corona New Strain: Temporary UK Travel Restrictions Won't be 'Indefinite', Says Aviation Minister

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in a press conference on Tuesday announced that the temporary suspension on filghts to and from the UK will not be an "indefinite" one.

Concerned airlines have been asked to ensure that prior to check-in, the traveller is explained about the SOPs and in-flight announcements must be made explaining all relevant information to the passengers, as per the guidelines. (Image: PTI)

A sigh of relief for those whose plans were affected by temporary suspension of flights from the United Kingdom due to new variant of coronavirus. Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in a press conference on Tuesday announced that the temporary suspension on filghts to and from the UK will not be an "indefinite" one. "I foresee a short extension on this temporary suspension. I don't see the extension to be long," Civil Aviation Minister briefed media persons about the temporary suspension.

I foresee a short extension on this temporary suspension. I don't see the extension to be long or indefinite: Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on the temporary suspension of flights from the United Kingdom due to new variant of coronavirus pic.twitter.com/j4Xsl1G40m

— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020

In an order issued last week, Civil Aviation Ministry had suspended all flights between UK and India from December 23 to December 31 after the discovery of mutated variant of coronavirus. Meanwhile, six cases of the new strain of coronavirus which was discovered in the UK have been found among UK returnees in India. Those found positive have been kept in isolation. Those who came in close contact with the infected have also been kept under watch. “Their (those discovered with the new strain of coronavirus) close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others,” the government said in an official statement.