Australia bans all direct passenger flights from India until May 15

Australia has suspended all direct passenger flights from India due to the unprecedented spike in Covid-19 cases. The decision was taken during a meeting of Cabinet’s national security committee.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to “clearly present” risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians -including high-profile cricketers -stranded, AFP reported.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3 lakh daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days.

Thailand, Netherlands, Iran, Canada, UAE, Hong Kong have restricted entry of travellers from India in view of the coronavirus crisis.