India suspends UK flights to prevent the spread of new Covid-19 strain

India has suspended all flights from the UK from Tuesday midnight (December 22) till December 31 to prevent the new aggressive strain of the novel coronavirus from entering the country. With the travel ban, India joins 30 other countries in Europe, Asia, and South America, which have restricted travel from the island nation.

The decision to suspend flights was taken, following recommendations from the health ministry’s joint working group. It will impact over 80 flights in this 10-day period.

British Airways operates 29 flights per week, followed by Air India flying 23 weekly services. Virgin Atlantic and Vistara offer 8 and 5 flights, respectively, per week. Delhi and Mumbai airports handle nearly 45 per cent of India-UK flights.