Tighter Covid curbs in UK: Flights from UAE unaffected

The UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad on Sunday said there is no change in their flight operations to the UK after new curbs were announced for London over a new, more infectious strain of Covid-19.

The national carriers said they’re operating as per their schedule and there is no change in operations at the moment.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced a “stay at home” order for London and southeast England due to the new strain of virus which is up to 70 per cent more transmissible.

Under new restrictions, Johnson ordered residents in those areas to stay at home till December 30.

This is peak travel season of the year when a large number of UAE expatriates head to the UK to celebrate Christmas and New Year holidays with their families and friends.

The Netherlands said it will ban flights carrying passengers from the UK from Sunday because of the new strain. A travel ban will remain in place until January 1, the government said, adding that it is monitoring developments and is considering additional measures regarding other modes of transport.

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

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