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Following the detection of the most infectious new strain in several countries, many governments have begun to close their borders to citizens of countries where the new variant of the virus has been detected.
South Africa has reported an increasing number of infections with the new COVID-19 variant. This has caused several governments to close their borders to South Africans. Under the new restrictions, airlines are also announcing flight cancellations and route suspensions.
Below is a summary of the current situation regarding flight suspensions that may affect South African travelers.
UK IMPOSES BAN ON FLIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced immediate restrictions on travel and flights from South Africa at a press conference on Wednesday, December 23. In addition to travel restrictions, the British government has requested that anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has been in South Africa for the past two weeks go into self-isolation.
Imminent flight cancellations and temporary route suspensions of British airlines British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airlines are expected as a result of the measures the UK has implemented.
TURKISH AIRLINES
Turkish Airlines has suspended all flights to and from South Africa following a directive from the Turkish government aimed at preventing the importation of the new strain of coronavirus. The airline has been operating two flights a week from its base in Istanbul to Johannesburg and Cape Town since South Africa reopened its borders in October.
Turkish had planned to increase frequencies on its South African routes to three times a week starting in January 2021, but this remains doubtful in light of the suspension of all Turkish Airlines flights to South Africa until further notice.
LUFTHANSA AIR LINES
Following the closure of the German government border to South African citizens, Lufthansa Airlines has established a temporary flight ban for passengers from South Africa. However, the airline will continue to operate scheduled flights between Germany and South Africa. The flights will operate between Frankfurt, Johannesburg and Cape Town, and between Munich and Cape Town.
During the travel ban, Lufthansa will be able to transport passengers from Germany to Johannesburg and Cape Town during the period from December 22 to 30. However, the airline’s return flights from South Africa to Germany will not carry any passengers.
From December 31 to January 6, Lufthansa will be able to carry passengers again on flights from South Africa to Germany, but passengers must be German citizens or foreigners with German permanent residence permits.
The airline will release more information once the German government provides updates on the duration of its travel ban and border closures applicable to South African citizens. The airline warns that temporary flight cancellations are possible in the current situation.
SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
Swiss International Airlines operated two weekly flights between Zurich and Johannesburg. The Swiss government closed its borders to South Africa on December 20 and banned flights between the two countries on the same date.
Since then, the Swiss government has allowed the airline to operate flights to Great Britain and South Africa temporarily starting December 24. These fights will be to repatriate Swiss nationals stranded in Britain and South Africa. The returnees are expected to complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Switzerland.
EDELWEISS AIR LINES
Edelweiss Airlines, which operates flights between Zurich and Cape Town, suspended its flights following a directive from the Swiss federal government on December 20. Passengers affected by cancellations are advised to contact the airline for further assistance.
AUSTRIAN AIRLINES
Austrian Airlines operates two weekly flights between the Austrian capital Vienna and Cape Town. The airline has not canceled its scheduled flights to South Africa. It will operate flights as planned, with strict health and safety protocols.
TRAVEL PROHIBITIONS IN PLACE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
While several countries have already closed their borders to nationals where the new variant of the coronavirus is prevalent, not all have closed their borders to South Africans. The following countries have closed their borders to South Africa to date:
- Israel
- Germany
- Turkey
- Mauricio
- Saudi Arabia
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Panama
- UK
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