Travel restrictions: More countries in lockdown, more flights cancelled amid coronavirus pandemic

Many countries are implementing travel bans and restrictions in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. And airlines are following suit in cancelling or reducing flights all over the world.

Here are some updates based on the officially announced governmental travel restrictions and quarantine measures.

In Europe: Bulgaria and Hungary: Wizz Air suspends all flights to, from Varna March 25- May; Skopje International Airport and Ohrid’s St Paul Apostle Airport in North Macedonia are closed; Bosnia and Herzegovina will halt all passenger air traffic from March 30 because of COVID-19.

In Asia and Australia: Nationwide lockdown begins in Nepal for one week because of COVID-19; Indian Prime minister orders 21-day lockdown; Pakistan’s aviation authority suspends all domestic flights from March 26 to April 2. Authorities in Bangladesh impose nationwide lockdown.  to present spread of COVID-19. Malaysia’s Prime minister extends lockdown measures until April 14, following increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In Latin America: The U.S. Embassy in Panama reports expansion of nationwide curfew hours, government may enact further restrictions because of COVID-19. Curfew begins in Cayman Islands and borders are closed amid COVID-19 concerns

In African and Middle East countries: United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai airports to halt all passenger flights for two weeks from March 26. The country suspended all flights at 11:59 p.m. on March 24. Authorities in Zimbabwe close the borders. Curfew imposed for two weeks in Egypt on March 25; suspension of flights extended for two weeks from April 1. The U.S. Embassy in Togo reports domestic travel restrictions amid COVID-19 pandemic. Oman suspends domestic and international flights from March 29, while flights to Musandam will continue. Ethiopia’s land borders are closed. Health authority in Namibia announces a travel ban for 30 days and the partial lockdown of Khomas region. DR Congo government closes borders and imposes state of emergency because of COVID-19.

Airlines also announced flight cancellations: Ryanair cancels all flights until June. Thai Airways International suspends passenger flights. Oman Air to suspend all passenger flights to, from Muscat from March 29. Gol Linhas Aereas suspends almost all domestic flights because of COVID-19. Comair, FlySafair, Mango suspend operations after announcement of countrywide lockdown from March 26. South African Airways to suspend all domestic flights from March 27 until April 16.  Avianca suspends all international and domestic flights. Virgin Australia to suspend 90 percent of domestic flights due to COVID-19; Tigerair Australia suspends all flights.

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