In a move to contain the spread of coronavirus, Hong Kong has barred Air India flights for a period of two weeks, according to official sources. Air India had to cancel its Delhi to Hong Kong flight on Monday after the air carrier was informed about certain restrictions being enforced by the Hong Kong government, said Air India official. On the other hand, flight returning to India wasn't allowed to operate.
Going by some of the media reports, the Chinese government banned Air India flights to Hong Kong after 11 people were tested positive for Covid-19 on an Air India Delhi-Hong Kong flight operated on August 14.
"All we knew that there were some restrictions that the Hong Kong government had put in place because of which we had to cancel Monday's Delhi-HongKong-Delhi flight. We don't know the reason for these restrictions," said Air India official.
Also Read: Indians can now travel to Canada under the 'Air Bubbles' agreement
However, this move of Chinese govt has hit thousands of Hong-Kong bound passengers stranded in India. Passengers, caught unawares, took to social to reschedule their travel plans. Air India responded to this tweet by writing, " #FlyAI : #ImportantUpdate
Due to restrictions imposed by Hong Kong Authorities, AI 310/315, Delhi - Hong Kong - Delhi of 18th August 2020 stands postponed. Next update in this regard will be intimated soon. Passengers may please contact Air India Customer Care for assistance."