Indian para swimmer Mohammed Shams Aalam Shaikh alleged that he had to wait for nearly 90 minutes to get his wheelchair at IGI airport in New Delhi on Monday, after landing post a 12-hour-long journey from Melbourne.

Aalam said he had informed Air India's cabin crew that he wanted his own wheelchair after landing but was provided one that was "uncomfortable" and sized XL. However, an Air India spokesperson said Aalam was provided with an aisle wheelchair "as per procedure from the aircraft as soon as the flight landed".

"His personal wheelchair arrived at the belt in a while after due security clearance. He was escorted by airport handling personnel throughout. The inconvenience caused by the delay, which was beyond our control, in the arrival of his wheelchair is regretted," said the spokesperson.

"The wheelchairs at airports are big. Nobody can drive them on their own, they have to be pushed. How can I ask someone to come to the washroom? If other countries can provide their own wheelchairs, why are we not getting them in India? It's not the first time I have faced this, it has happened in the past on domestic flights," said Aalam, who tweeted about the issue.

"I got my wheelchair after waiting for one-and-a-half hours. Through my tweets, I wanted to raise awareness that if someone is asking to use his or her own wheelchair, please allow them. Everybody can not fit in the same size and they are not comfortable in a wheelchair where they need someone's support to push them from behind" he added.

[with inputs from agencies]

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Indian para swimmer Mohammed Shams Aalam Shaikh alleged that he had to wait for nearly 90 minutes to get his wheelchair at IGI airport in New Delhi on Monday, after landing post a 12-hour-long journey from Melbourne.

Indian para swimmer Mohammed Shams Aalam Shaikh alleged that he had to wait for nearly 90 minutes to get his wheelchair at IGI airport in New Delhi on Monday, after landing post a 12-hour-long journey from Melbourne. Aalam said he had informed Air India's cabin crew that he wanted his own wheelchair after landing but was provided one that was "uncomfortable" and sized XL. However, an Air India spokesperson said Aalam was provided with an aisle wheelchair "as per procedure from the aircraft as soon as the flight landed". "His personal wheelchair arrived at the belt in a while after due security clearance. He was escorted by airport handling personnel throughout. The inconvenience caused by the delay, which was beyond our control, in the arrival of his wheelchair is regretted," said the spokesperson. "The wheelchairs at airports are big. Nobody can drive them on their own, they have to be pushed. How can I ask someone to come to the washroom? If other countries can provide their own wheelchairs, why are we not getting them in India? It's not the first time I have faced this, it has happened in the past on domestic flights," said Aalam, who tweeted about the issue. "I got my wheelchair after waiting for one-and-a-half hours. Through my tweets, I wanted to raise awareness that if someone is asking to use his or her own wheelchair, please allow them. Everybody can not fit in the same size and they are not comfortable in a wheelchair where they need someone's support to push them from behind" he added. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian para swimmer waited for one-and-a-half hours to get a wheelchair at IGI airport

Widespread flight chaos has been witnessed last week at airports across Europe, management struggled to cope with a post-pandemic rebound in demand, but British airports have been particularly hit by major disruption over the past week, which requires urgent intervention.

Schools were on a half-term break and the country also had a long public holiday weekend to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne.

Shapps, who said earlier this week airlines should stop selling tickets for flights they could not staff, said the industry had to sort out the problem.

"The industry itself needs to solve it," he told BBC TV. "The government doesn't run airports, it doesn't run the airlines. The industry needs to do that."

Airlines had hoped for a bumper summer for passengers after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

But they have struggled to recruit staff after the turmoil of the pandemic, and complain it is taking longer to recruit new employees and vet them for security clearance.

Shapps said staff cuts during the pandemic had gone too deep.

"We'll work with the industry very hard ... to make sure we don't see a repeat of those scenes," he said.

A change in the law was making it easier to deal with the administration needed for security clearance, he said, adding he did not envisage a need for the army to be called in to help speed up the security checks.&nbsp;

[With inputs from agencies]

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Widespread flight chaos has been witnessed last week at airports across Europe, management struggled to cope with a post-pandemic rebound in demand, but British airports have been particularly hit by major disruption over the past week, which requires urgent intervention.

Widespread flight chaos has been witnessed last week at airports across Europe, management struggled to cope with a post-pandemic rebound in demand, but British airports have been particularly hit by major disruption over the past week, which requires urgent intervention. Schools were on a half-term break and the country also had a long public holiday weekend to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne. Shapps, who said earlier this week airlines should stop selling tickets for flights they could not staff, said the industry had to sort out the problem. "The industry itself needs to solve it," he told BBC TV. "The government doesn't run airports, it doesn't run the airlines. The industry needs to do that." Airlines had hoped for a bumper summer for passengers after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions. But they have struggled to recruit staff after the turmoil of the pandemic, and complain it is taking longer to recruit new employees and vet them for security clearance. Shapps said staff cuts during the pandemic had gone too deep. "We'll work with the industry very hard ... to make sure we don't see a repeat of those scenes," he said. A change in the law was making it easier to deal with the administration needed for security clearance, he said, adding he did not envisage a need for the army to be called in to help speed up the security checks. [With inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe

A SpiceJet flight faced severe turbulence on Sunday and several videos of the incident went viral. The flight bound from Mumbai to West Bengal faced air turbulence during its descent at the Durgapur airport.

Watch: Panic in SpiceJet flight amid plane facing severe turbulence

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Rockets fired by Russian forces have completely destroyed an airport in Dnipro on Sunday, said Ukrainian officials. &nbsp;

The invading forces had fired several rockets in Ukraine's Luhansk and Dnipro regions, leaving casualties, a Reuters report said. &nbsp;

Russia's Defence Ministry said, "Overnight high-precision missiles destroyed the base and headquarters of the nationalist Dnepr battalion in Zvonetsky, which also recently received reinforcements from foreign mercenaries." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-meets-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-in-kyiv-469759" hreflang="en">UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv</a>

Valentyn Reznichenko, governor, central Dnipropetrovsk region, said an infrastructure facility was hit in Zvonetsky town and emergency workers were combing through it. Reznichenko added details of the casualties would be shared later. &nbsp;

On Telegram, Reznichenko said that an attack was carried out on the airport in Dnipro city. &nbsp;

"The airport itself was destroyed, as well as nearby infrastructure. And the rockets fly and fly," he added. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia releases video of airstrikes, Ukrainian combat vehicles targeted

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Serhiy Gaidai, governor, Luhansk, wrote on Telegram that a school and a high-rise apartment building were hit in Sievierodonetsk city. "Fortunately, no casualties," Gaidai said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia and Ukraine also carried out a prisoner exchange on Saturday, confirmed Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova on Sunday. &nbsp;

Four employees of state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, soldiers and some civilians were returned to Russia, Moskalkova said. &nbsp;

In an online post, "Early this morning, they landed on Russian soil," Moskalkova said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Rockets fired by Russian forces have completely destroyed an airport in Dnipro on Sunday, said Ukrainian officials. The invading forces had fired several rockets in Ukraine's Luhansk and Dnipro regions, leaving casualties, a Reuters report said. Russia's Defence Ministry said, "Overnight high-precision missiles destroyed the base and headquarters of the nationalist Dnepr battalion in Zvonetsky, which also recently received reinforcements from foreign mercenaries." Also Read: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv Valentyn Reznichenko, governor, central Dnipropetrovsk region, said an infrastructure facility was hit in Zvonetsky town and emergency workers were combing through it. Reznichenko added details of the casualties would be shared later. On Telegram, Reznichenko said that an attack was carried out on the airport in Dnipro city. "The airport itself was destroyed, as well as nearby infrastructure. And the rockets fly and fly," he added. Watch: Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia releases video of airstrikes, Ukrainian combat vehicles targeted × Serhiy Gaidai, governor, Luhansk, wrote on Telegram that a school and a high-rise apartment building were hit in Sievierodonetsk city. "Fortunately, no casualties," Gaidai said. Russia and Ukraine also carried out a prisoner exchange on Saturday, confirmed Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova on Sunday. Four employees of state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, soldiers and some civilians were returned to Russia, Moskalkova said. In an online post, "Early this morning, they landed on Russian soil," Moskalkova said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian rocket fire completely destroys airport in Dnipro, claim Ukrainian officials

A cargo plane skidded off the runway and broke in 2 during an emergency landing in Costa Rica. At least 32 flights were diverted to alternate airports due to this incident.

Cargo plane splits in 2 as it makes emergency landing

For the first time since its establishment, 92 flights were operated at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, the authorities said on Wednesday.

For the past two days, the tourist traffic in the airport has been witnessing an all-time high.

On Monday, 90 flights were operated at the Srinagar International Airport. The total number of passengers on that day was the highest ever with 15,014 passengers landing and departing from the airport. On Tuesday,&nbsp;13,538 passengers arrived and departed from the airport.&nbsp;

The buoyancy in the influx of tourists is noteworthy considering that&nbsp;the airport,&nbsp;by its design, can only handle less than 7,000 passengers per day.

Also, the month of March has seen the maximum number of tourists arrivals in Kashmir Valley, breaking a 10-year record.

The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has been promoting Kashmir tourism across the country and has organised many spring festivals in the coming days.&nbsp;

“We have handled 45 arriving flights with 7,824 passengers and 45 departing flights with 7,190 passengers on March 28. A total of 90 flights with 15,014 passengers makes it the busiest day in our history. And this is only the beginning of the summer schedule,” said Director of Srinagar International Airport, Kuldeep Singh.&nbsp;

The Srinagar airport authority at present has nine parking slots and six more are being added. In total, 15 parking stands will be available for the planes.

For the first time since its establishment, 92 flights were operated at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, the authorities said on Wednesday. For the past two days, the tourist traffic in the airport has been witnessing an all-time high.

For the first time since its establishment, 92 flights were operated at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, the authorities said on Wednesday. For the past two days, the tourist traffic in the airport has been witnessing an all-time high. On Monday, 90 flights were operated at the Srinagar International Airport. The total number of passengers on that day was the highest ever with 15,014 passengers landing and departing from the airport. On Tuesday, 13,538 passengers arrived and departed from the airport. The buoyancy in the influx of tourists is noteworthy considering that the airport, by its design, can only handle less than 7,000 passengers per day. Also, the month of March has seen the maximum number of tourists arrivals in Kashmir Valley, breaking a 10-year record. The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has been promoting Kashmir tourism across the country and has organised many spring festivals in the coming days. “We have handled 45 arriving flights with 7,824 passengers and 45 departing flights with 7,190 passengers on March 28. A total of 90 flights with 15,014 passengers makes it the busiest day in our history. And this is only the beginning of the summer schedule,” said Director of Srinagar International Airport, Kuldeep Singh. The Srinagar airport authority at present has nine parking slots and six more are being added. In total, 15 parking stands will be available for the planes.

Srinagar airport breaks all records, handles 92 flights in a day for the first time ever

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday (March 6) that Russia destroyed a civilian airport in Ukraine's Vinnytsia. He said that a barrage of Russian missiles has destroyed the airport.

"I have just been informed about a missile strike on Vinnytsia. Eight rockets... The airport was completely destroyed," he said. 
Several cities and airbases in Ukraine have been bombed, shelled or hit with ballistic missiles since Russia launched its 11-day-old invasion.

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&nbsp;

But Vinnytsia is in the western area of central Ukraine, far from the Russia and Belarus borders, in an area that has seen fewer such strikes.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-is-madness-please-stop-pope-francis-denounces-rivers-of-blood-and-tears-in-ukraine-459628">'War is madness, please stop': Pope Francis denounces 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine</a>

Zelensky took the opportunity to renew his demand that Western powers enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to prevent more Russian attacks.

“We repeat every day: close the sky over Ukraine. Close for all Russian missiles, for Russian combat aircraft, for all their terrorists," he said.

"If you don't, if you don't give us at least planes so we can protect ourselves, there's only one thing to conclude; you want us to be killed very slowly."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-speaks-of-very-credible-reports-of-war-crimes-in-ukraine-conflict-459648">Blinken speaks of 'very credible reports' of war crimes in Ukraine conflict</a>

On Sunday, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US envoy to UN said that there would be no US troops on land or in the air in Ukraine. She was speaking on a show on US news channel ABC.

She said doing this will "escalate this war and make this an American war against the Russians.". She was speaking during ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

"We've also been very clear that we will support Ukraine in every other way possible We have provided them over a billion dollars in support over the course of the past few days,"&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday (March 6) that Russia destroyed a civilian airport in Ukraine's Vinnytsia. He said that a barrage of Russian missiles has destroyed the airport.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday (March 6) that Russia destroyed a civilian airport in Ukraine's Vinnytsia. He said that a barrage of Russian missiles has destroyed the airport. "I have just been informed about a missile strike on Vinnytsia. Eight rockets... The airport was completely destroyed," he said. Several cities and airbases in Ukraine have been bombed, shelled or hit with ballistic missiles since Russia launched its 11-day-old invasion. × But Vinnytsia is in the western area of central Ukraine, far from the Russia and Belarus borders, in an area that has seen fewer such strikes. Also Read | 'War is madness, please stop': Pope Francis denounces 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine Zelensky took the opportunity to renew his demand that Western powers enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to prevent more Russian attacks. “We repeat every day: close the sky over Ukraine. Close for all Russian missiles, for Russian combat aircraft, for all their terrorists," he said. "If you don't, if you don't give us at least planes so we can protect ourselves, there's only one thing to conclude; you want us to be killed very slowly." Also Read | Blinken speaks of 'very credible reports' of war crimes in Ukraine conflict On Sunday, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US envoy to UN said that there would be no US troops on land or in the air in Ukraine. She was speaking on a show on US news channel ABC. She said doing this will "escalate this war and make this an American war against the Russians.". She was speaking during ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos. "We've also been very clear that we will support Ukraine in every other way possible We have provided them over a billion dollars in support over the course of the past few days," (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has destroyed civilian airport in Ukraine, says Zelensky

The military investigation into the August 26 Kabul airport blast that left 173, including 13 US marines, dead has concluded that the attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber, and the deaths are not preventable.

US Military: Attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber

The usage of the 'GAY' code for Gaya airport is inappropriate, claimed a Parliamentary panel on Friday. It has asked the government to make all efforts to change the code.&nbsp;

As a part of its first report tabled in Parliament in January 2021, the Committee on Public Undertakings recommended changing the code of Gaya airport from 'GAY.'&nbsp;

The committee further said that the code name appeared inappropriate, unsuitable, offensive as Gaya is a holy city. It also suggested an alternate code name like 'YAG'.

As per the civil aviation ministry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed its inability to change the code without a "justifiable reason primarily concerning air safety".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/traffic-leading-to-divorces-in-this-indian-city-claims-ex-chief-ministers-wife-450705">Also read |&nbsp;Traffic leading to divorces in this Indian city, claims ex-chief minister's wife</a>

This association is responsible for assigning codes for airports.&nbsp;

The ministry, while speaking to the panel said, "Gaya airport IATA code 'GAY' has been in use since operationalisation of Gaya airstrip. Hence, without a justifiable reason primarily concerning air safety, IATA has expressed its inability to change the IATA code of Gaya airport."

"The committee appreciate the efforts of Air India being a member airline of IATA taking up the request with the international air transport association but, yet, re-emphasise the government also to make all effort to takeup the matter with the IATA...," the report mentioned.

(With inputs from agencies)

The usage of the 'GAY' code for Gaya airport is inappropriate, claimed a Parliamentary panel on Friday. It has asked the government to make all efforts to change the code.

The usage of the 'GAY' code for Gaya airport is inappropriate, claimed a Parliamentary panel on Friday. It has asked the government to make all efforts to change the code. As a part of its first report tabled in Parliament in January 2021, the Committee on Public Undertakings recommended changing the code of Gaya airport from 'GAY.' The committee further said that the code name appeared inappropriate, unsuitable, offensive as Gaya is a holy city. It also suggested an alternate code name like 'YAG'. As per the civil aviation ministry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed its inability to change the code without a "justifiable reason primarily concerning air safety". Also read | Traffic leading to divorces in this Indian city, claims ex-chief minister's wife This association is responsible for assigning codes for airports. The ministry, while speaking to the panel said, "Gaya airport IATA code 'GAY' has been in use since operationalisation of Gaya airstrip. Hence, without a justifiable reason primarily concerning air safety, IATA has expressed its inability to change the IATA code of Gaya airport." "The committee appreciate the efforts of Air India being a member airline of IATA taking up the request with the international air transport association but, yet, re-emphasise the government also to make all effort to takeup the matter with the IATA...," the report mentioned. (With inputs from agencies)

'GAY' code for Indian city Gaya airport is inappropriate; Panel requests Centre to change it to 'YAG'

Several rockets landed in the Baghdad International Airport compound and near an adjacent US air base on Friday, damaging at least one disused civilian aeroplane,&nbsp;Iraqi police sources said.

The police sources did not report any other damage or any injuries. The damaged aircraft was an out-of-use&nbsp;Iraqi Airways plane, they said.

Iraq's state news agency reported, citing the country's aviation authority, that there was no disruption to travel.

The US&nbsp;air base, known as Camp Victory, is located around the perimeter of Baghdad's civilian airport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/now-robot-conducts-surgery-on-pigs-successfully-without-any-help-448430">Also read |&nbsp;Now, robot conducts surgery on pigs successfully without any help</a>

Rocket attacks have regularly struck the complex in recent years and are blamed by US and some&nbsp;Iraqi officials on Iran-aligned Shi'ite militia groups who oppose the US&nbsp;military presence in the region.

On Jan. 5, Katyusha rockets hit&nbsp;Iraqi military bases hosting US forces near Baghdad's international airport and west of the&nbsp;Iraqi capital.

A series of attacks this month, some of which the United States blames on Iran-aligned militia groups, have targeted bases or installations hosting US&nbsp;military and diplomatic personnel but have caused no U.S. casualties.

The Iran-aligned militia have in previous years carried out dozens of similar attacks, mostly causing little harm. But the attacks have become more sophisticated in the past year, including with the use of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones.

Several rockets landed in the Baghdad International Airport compound and near an adjacent US air base on Friday, damaging at least one disused civilian aeroplane, Iraqi police sources said.

Several rockets landed in the Baghdad International Airport compound and near an adjacent US air base on Friday, damaging at least one disused civilian aeroplane, Iraqi police sources said. The police sources did not report any other damage or any injuries. The damaged aircraft was an out-of-use Iraqi Airways plane, they said. Iraq's state news agency reported, citing the country's aviation authority, that there was no disruption to travel. The US air base, known as Camp Victory, is located around the perimeter of Baghdad's civilian airport. Also read | Now, robot conducts surgery on pigs successfully without any help Rocket attacks have regularly struck the complex in recent years and are blamed by US and some Iraqi officials on Iran-aligned Shi'ite militia groups who oppose the US military presence in the region. On Jan. 5, Katyusha rockets hit Iraqi military bases hosting US forces near Baghdad's international airport and west of the Iraqi capital. A series of attacks this month, some of which the United States blames on Iran-aligned militia groups, have targeted bases or installations hosting US military and diplomatic personnel but have caused no U.S. casualties. The Iran-aligned militia have in previous years carried out dozens of similar attacks, mostly causing little harm. But the attacks have become more sophisticated in the past year, including with the use of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones.

Several rockets hit Baghdad airport compound, civilian plane damaged

Turkey and Qatar agreed to jointly operate the Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan.

Turkey, Qatar Ink Deal To Jointly Operate Kabul Airport

Numerous flights have been suspended after two explosions caused by terrorists hit Camilo Daza Airport in the city of Cucuta on Tuesday, the Caracol broadcaster reported. The airport is located in northeastern Colombia near the border with Venezuela. &nbsp;

The blasts also damaged several buildings, the report added. A person with explosives was also seen near the runway of the airport. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-troops-scot-free-after-afghanistan-drone-attack-what-really-happened-436824" hreflang="en">US troops scot-free after Afghanistan drone attack. What really happened?</a>

The explosions were staged by terrorists.&nbsp;"In the morning, at 05:45 local time (13:45 local time) a man carrying an explosive device tried to get through the airport’s gate. At that moment, the bomb went off. The man died. He was a bandit, who had terrorist intent against one of the airport’s facilities," Colombia’s&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Diego Molano said on the radio.&nbsp;

Two explosions at the airport killed two policemen, said the Colombian daily ‘El Tiempo’. It&nbsp;also&nbsp;triggered panic in the city.&nbsp;The passengers and technical staff were&nbsp;evacuated by&nbsp;the air hub’s management.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-at-least-50-dead-in-gas-tanker-explosion-436878" hreflang="en">Haiti: At least 50 dead in gas tanker explosion</a>

Earlier, a car bomb explosion at a military base in the Colombian border city of Cucuta injured 36 people in June. The defence minister had casted blame for the attack on leftist rebels. &nbsp;

The explosion took place at a base used by the 30th Army Brigade in the northeastern city near the border with Venezuela. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Numerous flights have been suspended after two explosions caused by terrorists hit Camilo Daza Airport in the city of Cucuta on Tuesday, the Caracol broadcaster reported.

Numerous flights have been suspended after two explosions caused by terrorists hit Camilo Daza Airport in the city of Cucuta on Tuesday, the Caracol broadcaster reported. The airport is located in northeastern Colombia near the border with Venezuela. The blasts also damaged several buildings, the report added. A person with explosives was also seen near the runway of the airport. Also Read: US troops scot-free after Afghanistan drone attack. What really happened? The explosions were staged by terrorists. "In the morning, at 05:45 local time (13:45 local time) a man carrying an explosive device tried to get through the airport’s gate. At that moment, the bomb went off. The man died. He was a bandit, who had terrorist intent against one of the airport’s facilities," Colombia’s Defence Minister Diego Molano said on the radio. Two explosions at the airport killed two policemen, said the Colombian daily ‘El Tiempo’. It also triggered panic in the city. The passengers and technical staff were evacuated by the air hub’s management. Also Read | Haiti: At least 50 dead in gas tanker explosion Earlier, a car bomb explosion at a military base in the Colombian border city of Cucuta injured 36 people in June. The defence minister had casted blame for the attack on leftist rebels. The explosion took place at a base used by the 30th Army Brigade in the northeastern city near the border with Venezuela. (With inputs from agencies)

Terror attack: Flights suspended after explosions hit Colombian airport, say reports

Two international travellers arriving in Sydney were contaminated with the developing Omicron strain, according to urgent genetic testing.&nbsp;

"Both passengers came to Sydney from South Africa on the evening of Saturday, November 27. They underwent testing on arrival and tested positive for COVID-19 late last night.The two positive cases, who were asymptomatic, are in isolation in the special health accommodation. Both people are fully vaccinated, " NSW Health said in a statement issued on Sunday evening. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-on-alert-as-new-covid-19-variant-omicron-spreads-to-more-countries-432459">Also read | World on alert as new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' spreads to more countries</a>

The two passengers were among 14 travellers from southern Africa who boarded Qatar Airways flight QR908 from Doha at 7 p.m. on Saturday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-the-first-country-to-shut-all-borders-over-fear-of-new-variant-432450">Also read | Israel becomes the first country to shut all borders over fear of new variant</a>

The remaining 12 guests would be quarantined at a hotel for 14 days.

Approximately 260 passengers and crew members were identified as close contacts and have been ordered to be isolated. 
 
Watch: EU, US restrict travel from South Africa to contain new coronavirus variant

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NSW Health advised that failing to follow public health regulations was a crime, and that close connections would be contacted on a regular basis and subject to compliance inspections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Two international travellers arriving in Sydney were contaminated with the developing Omicron strain, according to urgent genetic testing. "Both passengers came to Sydney from South Africa on the evening of Saturday, November 27.

Two international travellers arriving in Sydney were contaminated with the developing Omicron strain, according to urgent genetic testing. "Both passengers came to Sydney from South Africa on the evening of Saturday, November 27. They underwent testing on arrival and tested positive for COVID-19 late last night.The two positive cases, who were asymptomatic, are in isolation in the special health accommodation. Both people are fully vaccinated, " NSW Health said in a statement issued on Sunday evening. Also read | World on alert as new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' spreads to more countries The two passengers were among 14 travellers from southern Africa who boarded Qatar Airways flight QR908 from Doha at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Also read | Israel becomes the first country to shut all borders over fear of new variant The remaining 12 guests would be quarantined at a hotel for 14 days. Approximately 260 passengers and crew members were identified as close contacts and have been ordered to be isolated. Watch: EU, US restrict travel from South Africa to contain new coronavirus variant NSW Health advised that failing to follow public health regulations was a crime, and that close connections would be contacted on a regular basis and subject to compliance inspections. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant in Australia: Two passengers from South Africa test positive for new COVID strain

Even as several countries and the WHO is on their toes over the emergence of a new coronavirus variant, Australia on Friday said it has no plans to restrict flights from South Africa, from where the new strain has surfaced.

Australia’s health minister Greg Hunt said the officials were assessing the threat posed by the strain and would not introduce restrictions on arrivals from southern Africa yet.

Hunt said that he was advised by the country’s chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, that there was “no basis for change” in border arrangements, but he assured to “act quickly if there’s advice”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-weeks-to-understand-new-virus-variant-says-who-432124">Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO</a>

“The world is learning and looking [at] the strain. At this stage they are gathering information [but] we’re flexible and if the medical advice is we need to change then we won’t hesitate,” the Guardian quoted Hunt as saying on Friday.

Meanwhile, several countries have announced travel curbs from southern Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-threat-heres-what-we-know-about-covid-b11529-or-nu-variant-likely-deadlier-than-delta-432075">New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta</a>

So far, 59 confirmed cases of the emerging B.1.1.529 variant have been identified in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana.

The UK on Friday announced it would ban flights from southern parts of Africa amid concern about the emerging B.1.1.529 variant.

The European Commission (EC), too, has proposed to suspend air travel from southern Africa amid concerns over the variant.

EC President Ursula Von der Leyen said the proposal could be enacted as soon as Friday night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-new-variant-emerges-india-to-tighten-covid-testing-for-international-tourists-432018">As new variant emerges, India to tighten Covid testing for international tourists &nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

India has put all travellers from Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong in ‘at risk’ category, and issued an advisory to undertake rigoruous test and screening at the airports.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation is monitoring B.1.1.529 variant and will hold a “special meeting” on Friday to discuss if the heavily mutated strain will become a variant of interest or a variant of concern.

According to WHO, the latest variant is the most heavily mutated version discovered so far.

The new variant has been red-flagged by scientists over an alarmingly high number of spike mutations that might make the virus more resistant to vaccines, increase its transmissibility and lead to more severe COVID-19 symptoms.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as several countries and the WHO is on their toes over the emergence of a new coronavirus variant, Australia on Friday said it has no plans to restrict flights from South Africa, from where the new strain has surfaced.

Even as several countries and the WHO is on their toes over the emergence of a new coronavirus variant, Australia on Friday said it has no plans to restrict flights from South Africa, from where the new strain has surfaced. Australia’s health minister Greg Hunt said the officials were assessing the threat posed by the strain and would not introduce restrictions on arrivals from southern Africa yet. Hunt said that he was advised by the country’s chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, that there was “no basis for change” in border arrangements, but he assured to “act quickly if there’s advice”. Also read | Will take weeks to understand new virus variant, says WHO “The world is learning and looking [at] the strain. At this stage they are gathering information [but] we’re flexible and if the medical advice is we need to change then we won’t hesitate,” the Guardian quoted Hunt as saying on Friday. Meanwhile, several countries have announced travel curbs from southern Africa. Also read | New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta So far, 59 confirmed cases of the emerging B.1.1.529 variant have been identified in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana. The UK on Friday announced it would ban flights from southern parts of Africa amid concern about the emerging B.1.1.529 variant. The European Commission (EC), too, has proposed to suspend air travel from southern Africa amid concerns over the variant. EC President Ursula Von der Leyen said the proposal could be enacted as soon as Friday night. Also read | As new variant emerges, India to tighten Covid testing for international tourists India has put all travellers from Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong in ‘at risk’ category, and issued an advisory to undertake rigoruous test and screening at the airports. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation is monitoring B.1.1.529 variant and will hold a “special meeting” on Friday to discuss if the heavily mutated strain will become a variant of interest or a variant of concern. According to WHO, the latest variant is the most heavily mutated version discovered so far. The new variant has been red-flagged by scientists over an alarmingly high number of spike mutations that might make the virus more resistant to vaccines, increase its transmissibility and lead to more severe COVID-19 symptoms. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia says borders to remain open to South Africa despite concerns over new Covid variant

It is late afternoon in Manhattan and you have a flight to catch at Kennedy International Airport. Instead of sitting in rush-hour traffic for two hours, you take a short ride to a nearby parking garage where you board an electric aircraft that takes off vertically from the roof and deposits you at Kennedy 20 minutes later for roughly the same cost as a fancy ride-share. You make your flight in time.

While this scenario might sound far-fetched, several companies say they are on the verge of being able to offer safe, cheap, clean electric aircraft that can help passengers travel distances between two and 150 miles without the need for a conventional runway. Public and private experts believe the technology could grow into a massive market that helps ease congestion and changes the way people travel in major metropolitan areas.

While urban air travel is currently out of reach for most customers (think: Uber Copter), improvements in battery technology have driven down the cost of developing electric-powered aircraft that are viable as urban passenger transportation. These companies are betting they can bring electric urban and regional air travel to the masses, and have developed new aircraft to compete for a slice of this nascent market within the next few years.

“We want to create something that is available to a lot of people, that can do the job of a high-speed train without requiring the infrastructure,” said Daniel Wiegand, chief executive and founder of Lilium, based in Germany. “We won’t be at the ticket price of a high-speed train in Germany on our first day, but if we don’t get there within 15 years I would consider our mission failed.”

Manufacturers say these electric aircraft have numerous advantages over conventional aircraft and especially helicopters, which are expensive to maintain and fly, noisy, and come with safety risks, as seen in the crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight other passengers.

The new electric aircraft use one-fifth the energy of conventional helicopters. Unlike traditional fixed-wing aircraft, they won’t require runways to take off and land. Unlike helicopters, they will be largely inaudible from the ground and have multiple rotors and backup systems, making them much safer.

Adam Goldstein, the co-chief executive of Archer Aviation, said his company hopes to offer fares in the range of $3 to $4 per mile traveled. That would make the trip from Manhattan to Kennedy, typically 17 miles, between $50 and $80. Several experts predicted the price of regional flights would be around the same cost as the luxury car service Uber Black.

“The biggest cost is the batteries,” said Goldstein, which are “expensive, but get cheaper every day.” (He declined to be more specific about battery sourcing and cost.)

Several companies, including Lilium and Archer, have stood out in a crowded field for their technology and ability to raise capital. None are content to simply manufacture vehicles; all seek to both develop aircraft and provide an end-to-end service, combining the traditional roles of aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and airlines like Delta.

Several experts credited Tesla and other auto companies getting into the electric market for driving down the cost of batteries. Traditional manufacturers like Hyundai are also ramping up their investment in electric aircraft, with hopes of entering an aircraft into service in 2028.

The more established players in this space, like Joby Aviation and Volocopter, are promising to have aircraft in service by 2024, an ambitious goal that will depend largely on gaining regulatory approval.

The largest area of investment is into electric vehicles that takeoff and land vertically, like helicopters or Harrier jets. Known as electric vertical takeoff and landing or eVTOLs, these aircraft can usually seat between two and 10 passengers and can travel up to 200 miles, making them ideally suited for traversing a metropolitan area or connecting two cities.

Wiegand of Lilium had a light-bulb moment in 2014 when he watched a video of a military aircraft that took off vertically and realized that an electric version could solve all the traditional problems with using aircraft in dense urban areas: eliminating noise and air pollution, as well as the need for runways. Still a student at Technical University of Munich at the time, Wiegand put together a team and began developing the engine that today powers his company’s seven-seat electric jet.

He believes his company’s jet technology scales better than designs based on propellers, and argued that the additional capacity would helped reduce costs to a level affordable by middle-class consumers.

Taking a different approach is Volocopter, founded in 2011 and based in Munich; it currently has two vehicles in advanced development including a “multicopter,” a copter with 18 rotor blades, called the VoloCity. The two-seat aircraft has a 22-mile range, which Florian Reuter, the chief executive, said makes it easier to certify than some longer-range electric aircraft, and ideally suited for urban travel, where the vast majority of trips are 10 to 20 miles. Volocopter is also developing a four-seat aircraft with a 100-mile range aimed more at regional travel.

“We are one of the few companies acknowledging there are different missions and different vehicle types for different missions,” Reuter said.

Volocopter is pursuing regulatory approval with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and hopes to have its aircraft in operation by 2024.

Joby, based in Santa Cruz, California, is pursuing a similar goal using yet another approach, having flown over 1,000 test flights on its fully electric aircraft, which seats four passengers plus the pilot and has a range of 150 miles on a single charge. The company made headlines last December when the ride-sharing giant Uber offloaded Elevate, their urban air travel ride-sharing product, to Joby and invested an additional $75 million into the company, signaling that the two services would be seamlessly linked.

Cities are already preparing for the introduction of electric aircraft to their already overburdened transportation systems. Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles set up Urban Movement Labs in 2019; today the organization is focused on preparing for the certification of electric aircraft for public use by the FAA as early as 2025.

The FAA declined multiple requests for an interview, but said it is reviewing electric aircraft on a case-by-case basis.

Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami said his city is embracing eVTOLs as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to legacy modes of transportation like buses and light rail, which are costly to build and rely on older technology. He said the city is looking at parking garages, rooftops and other potential takeoff and landing locations.

“We feel that one of the flaws in transportation planning and funding has been retreading yesterday’s ideas,” he said in an interview. “The sky obviously has multiple dimensions and gives you the ability to be creative.”

Suarez added that he has pushed Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to embrace urban air mobility rather than focusing on older modes of transport.

Sam Morrissey, the executive director of Urban Movement Labs, said the aircraft initially will likely be confined to existing commercial airports and flight paths until officials are able to determine how the new locations for takeoffs and landings can be added without disrupting other modes of transport. (Joby and Archer have both begun certification under rules for existing fixed-wing aircraft.)

“Our challenge is if they are to arrive, can we have everything in place so it’s not something only rich people can use,” Morrissey said.

It is late afternoon in Manhattan and you have a flight to catch at Kennedy International Airport. Instead of sitting in rush-hour traffic for two hours, you take a short ride to a nearby parking garage where you board an electric aircraft that takes off vertically from the roof and deposits you at Kennedy 20 minutes later for roughly the same cost as a fancy ride-share.

It is late afternoon in Manhattan and you have a flight to catch at Kennedy International Airport. Instead of sitting in rush-hour traffic for two hours, you take a short ride to a nearby parking garage where you board an electric aircraft that takes off vertically from the roof and deposits you at Kennedy 20 minutes later for roughly the same cost as a fancy ride-share. You make your flight in time. While this scenario might sound far-fetched, several companies say they are on the verge of being able to offer safe, cheap, clean electric aircraft that can help passengers travel distances between two and 150 miles without the need for a conventional runway. Public and private experts believe the technology could grow into a massive market that helps ease congestion and changes the way people travel in major metropolitan areas. While urban air travel is currently out of reach for most customers (think: Uber Copter), improvements in battery technology have driven down the cost of developing electric-powered aircraft that are viable as urban passenger transportation. These companies are betting they can bring electric urban and regional air travel to the masses, and have developed new aircraft to compete for a slice of this nascent market within the next few years. “We want to create something that is available to a lot of people, that can do the job of a high-speed train without requiring the infrastructure,” said Daniel Wiegand, chief executive and founder of Lilium, based in Germany. “We won’t be at the ticket price of a high-speed train in Germany on our first day, but if we don’t get there within 15 years I would consider our mission failed.” Manufacturers say these electric aircraft have numerous advantages over conventional aircraft and especially helicopters, which are expensive to maintain and fly, noisy, and come with safety risks, as seen in the crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight other passengers. The new electric aircraft use one-fifth the energy of conventional helicopters. Unlike traditional fixed-wing aircraft, they won’t require runways to take off and land. Unlike helicopters, they will be largely inaudible from the ground and have multiple rotors and backup systems, making them much safer. Adam Goldstein, the co-chief executive of Archer Aviation, said his company hopes to offer fares in the range of $3 to $4 per mile traveled. That would make the trip from Manhattan to Kennedy, typically 17 miles, between $50 and $80. Several experts predicted the price of regional flights would be around the same cost as the luxury car service Uber Black. “The biggest cost is the batteries,” said Goldstein, which are “expensive, but get cheaper every day.” (He declined to be more specific about battery sourcing and cost.) Several companies, including Lilium and Archer, have stood out in a crowded field for their technology and ability to raise capital. None are content to simply manufacture vehicles; all seek to both develop aircraft and provide an end-to-end service, combining the traditional roles of aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and airlines like Delta. Several experts credited Tesla and other auto companies getting into the electric market for driving down the cost of batteries. Traditional manufacturers like Hyundai are also ramping up their investment in electric aircraft, with hopes of entering an aircraft into service in 2028. The more established players in this space, like Joby Aviation and Volocopter, are promising to have aircraft in service by 2024, an ambitious goal that will depend largely on gaining regulatory approval. The largest area of investment is into electric vehicles that takeoff and land vertically, like helicopters or Harrier jets. Known as electric vertical takeoff and landing or eVTOLs, these aircraft can usually seat between two and 10 passengers and can travel up to 200 miles, making them ideally suited for traversing a metropolitan area or connecting two cities. Wiegand of Lilium had a light-bulb moment in 2014 when he watched a video of a military aircraft that took off vertically and realized that an electric version could solve all the traditional problems with using aircraft in dense urban areas: eliminating noise and air pollution, as well as the need for runways. Still a student at Technical University of Munich at the time, Wiegand put together a team and began developing the engine that today powers his company’s seven-seat electric jet. He believes his company’s jet technology scales better than designs based on propellers, and argued that the additional capacity would helped reduce costs to a level affordable by middle-class consumers. Taking a different approach is Volocopter, founded in 2011 and based in Munich; it currently has two vehicles in advanced development including a “multicopter,” a copter with 18 rotor blades, called the VoloCity. The two-seat aircraft has a 22-mile range, which Florian Reuter, the chief executive, said makes it easier to certify than some longer-range electric aircraft, and ideally suited for urban travel, where the vast majority of trips are 10 to 20 miles. Volocopter is also developing a four-seat aircraft with a 100-mile range aimed more at regional travel. “We are one of the few companies acknowledging there are different missions and different vehicle types for different missions,” Reuter said. Volocopter is pursuing regulatory approval with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and hopes to have its aircraft in operation by 2024. Joby, based in Santa Cruz, California, is pursuing a similar goal using yet another approach, having flown over 1,000 test flights on its fully electric aircraft, which seats four passengers plus the pilot and has a range of 150 miles on a single charge. The company made headlines last December when the ride-sharing giant Uber offloaded Elevate, their urban air travel ride-sharing product, to Joby and invested an additional $75 million into the company, signaling that the two services would be seamlessly linked. Cities are already preparing for the introduction of electric aircraft to their already overburdened transportation systems. Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles set up Urban Movement Labs in 2019; today the organization is focused on preparing for the certification of electric aircraft for public use by the FAA as early as 2025. The FAA declined multiple requests for an interview, but said it is reviewing electric aircraft on a case-by-case basis. Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami said his city is embracing eVTOLs as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to legacy modes of transportation like buses and light rail, which are costly to build and rely on older technology. He said the city is looking at parking garages, rooftops and other potential takeoff and landing locations. “We feel that one of the flaws in transportation planning and funding has been retreading yesterday’s ideas,” he said in an interview. “The sky obviously has multiple dimensions and gives you the ability to be creative.” Suarez added that he has pushed Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to embrace urban air mobility rather than focusing on older modes of transport. Sam Morrissey, the executive director of Urban Movement Labs, said the aircraft initially will likely be confined to existing commercial airports and flight paths until officials are able to determine how the new locations for takeoffs and landings can be added without disrupting other modes of transport. (Joby and Archer have both begun certification under rules for existing fixed-wing aircraft.) “Our challenge is if they are to arrive, can we have everything in place so it’s not something only rich people can use,” Morrissey said.

Taxi! To the airport — by air, please.

Seven Australian women who were strip-searched and forced to undergo invasive gynaecological examinations at the Doha airport last year are mulling to sue the Qatar government.

Damian Sturzaker, from Sydney-based Marque Lawyers, said on Monday that his clients were seeking compensation “for the fact that they were effected at the time and continue to suffer”.

The women alleged that they were ordered to disembark from the flight to Sydney and were checked whether they had given birth after a baby was found in a plastic bag bin at Hamad Airport in October 2020.

Describing their experience as “state-sanctioned assault”, the women said they did not give consent to the examinations and were not given explanations for what was happening to them.

The women, aged from their early 30s to late 50s, claimed that the examinations lasted about five minutes before they were escorted back to their flight.

The incident came to the fore when the women reported the matter to police after landing in Australia, sparking public attention and condemnation from several nations.

After the Australian government decried the incident, Qatar apologised and handed a suspended jail term for one airport official.

At the time, Qatar's Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani tweeted an apology saying, “We regret the unacceptable treatment of the female passengers... What took place does not reflect Qatar's laws or values.”

But the women say their cases have been ignored since then.

One of the women, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC she was “subjected to the most horrifically invasive physical exam”.

“I was certain that I was either going to be killed by one of the many men that had a gun, or that my husband on the plane was going to be killed,” she said in a statement from her lawyer.

Meanwhile, the airline has denied liability while the Qatar government said it was considering the women’s claim, Sturzaker said.

“We don’t hold out much hope in relation to anything other than a rejection of the claim,” Sturzaker said, indicating that the claim would go to trial.

(With inputs from agencies)

Seven Australian women who were strip-searched and forced to undergo invasive gynaecological examinations at the Doha airport last year are mulling to sue the Qatar government.

Seven Australian women who were strip-searched and forced to undergo invasive gynaecological examinations at the Doha airport last year are mulling to sue the Qatar government. Damian Sturzaker, from Sydney-based Marque Lawyers, said on Monday that his clients were seeking compensation “for the fact that they were effected at the time and continue to suffer”. The women alleged that they were ordered to disembark from the flight to Sydney and were checked whether they had given birth after a baby was found in a plastic bag bin at Hamad Airport in October 2020. Describing their experience as “state-sanctioned assault”, the women said they did not give consent to the examinations and were not given explanations for what was happening to them. The women, aged from their early 30s to late 50s, claimed that the examinations lasted about five minutes before they were escorted back to their flight. The incident came to the fore when the women reported the matter to police after landing in Australia, sparking public attention and condemnation from several nations. After the Australian government decried the incident, Qatar apologised and handed a suspended jail term for one airport official. At the time, Qatar's Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani tweeted an apology saying, “We regret the unacceptable treatment of the female passengers... What took place does not reflect Qatar's laws or values.” But the women say their cases have been ignored since then. One of the women, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC she was “subjected to the most horrifically invasive physical exam”. “I was certain that I was either going to be killed by one of the many men that had a gun, or that my husband on the plane was going to be killed,” she said in a statement from her lawyer. Meanwhile, the airline has denied liability while the Qatar government said it was considering the women’s claim, Sturzaker said. “We don’t hold out much hope in relation to anything other than a rejection of the claim,” Sturzaker said, indicating that the claim would go to trial. (With inputs from agencies)

7 Australian women to sue Qatar govt for ‘invasive’ strip search at Doha airport

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government.

However, they would be required to follow certain mandatory procedures before arriving in India.

Before their scheduled arrival, travellers from these listed countries, including the US, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Russia, are required submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal (newdelhiairport.in).

The passengers also have to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report, 72 hours prior to their journey, according to the revised Guidelines for International Arrivals released by the Union health ministry on November 11.

Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-happens-when-covid-19-meets-toxic-air-india-is-about-to-find-out-335584">What happens when COVID-19 meets toxic air? India is about to find out</a>

India shares an agreement with some of the 99 nations on ‘mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates’ of nationally recognised or the WHO recognised vaccines.

Some of the countries, which features in ‘Category A’ list, do not have a mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccine agreement with India, but they permit quarantine-free entry in their land to fully vaccinated Indian nationals, the guidelines read.

Some of the countries currently considered to be "at risk" by India, which means the travellers from where would need to follow additional measures on arrival including testing, are the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Singapore.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

"As India opened its doors to fully-vaccinated international tourists from all over the world beginning Monday, India tourism Mumbai accorded a warm welcome to the first set of international tourists who landed at Mumbai International Airport by Air France flight AF218," the Union Ministry of Tourism said in a tweet.

According to the guidelines, if fully-vaccinated travellers are coming from a country with which India has reciprocal arrangements for mutual acceptance of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, they shall be allowed to leave the airport and need not undergo home quarantine.

They shall self-monitor their health for 14 days post arrival.

(WIth inputs from agencies)

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government.

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government. However, they would be required to follow certain mandatory procedures before arriving in India. Before their scheduled arrival, travellers from these listed countries, including the US, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Russia, are required submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal (newdelhiairport.in). The passengers also have to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report, 72 hours prior to their journey, according to the revised Guidelines for International Arrivals released by the Union health ministry on November 11. Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise. Also read | What happens when COVID-19 meets toxic air? India is about to find out India shares an agreement with some of the 99 nations on ‘mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates’ of nationally recognised or the WHO recognised vaccines. Some of the countries, which features in ‘Category A’ list, do not have a mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccine agreement with India, but they permit quarantine-free entry in their land to fully vaccinated Indian nationals, the guidelines read. Some of the countries currently considered to be "at risk" by India, which means the travellers from where would need to follow additional measures on arrival including testing, are the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Singapore. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan "As India opened its doors to fully-vaccinated international tourists from all over the world beginning Monday, India tourism Mumbai accorded a warm welcome to the first set of international tourists who landed at Mumbai International Airport by Air France flight AF218," the Union Ministry of Tourism said in a tweet. According to the guidelines, if fully-vaccinated travellers are coming from a country with which India has reciprocal arrangements for mutual acceptance of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, they shall be allowed to leave the airport and need not undergo home quarantine. They shall self-monitor their health for 14 days post arrival. (WIth inputs from agencies)

India allows quarantine-free entry of vaccinated foreign nationals from 99 countries

The United States has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated overseas travellers, accepting people who had been barred from entering the country for the last 20 months, which is considered as a relief for the tourism sector and families who have been separated due to prior COVID-19 laws.

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, foreign flight arrivals at Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy international airports are likely to increase 11% on Monday compared to a same day in October, with 253 planes planned to arrive, according to Xinhua news agency.

Bookings have increased since the Joe Biden administration said it will eliminate the limitations, according to airline officials.&nbsp; 
 
Watch :

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-reopens-borders-for-fully-vaccinated-international-visitors-427613/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Shares of United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines were each up more than 1 per cent in morning trading. Those carriers have the most international service of the US airlines and stand to benefit from the resumption of US-bound travel, " reported CNBC.

The ban, which was implemented by former US President Donald Trump in early 2020 and increased by Vice President Joe Biden earlier this year, barred travellers from 33 nations, including the United Kingdom, much of Europe, China, Brazil, and South Africa. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-lottery-25-year-old-australian-woman-wins-1mn-for-getting-vaccinated-427838">Also read | Covid lottery: 25-year-old Australian woman wins $1mn for getting vaccinated</a>

Visitors can now travel into the US with documentation of complete COVID-19 vaccination.

A paper certificate, a photograph of the document, or a computerised version of the document can all be used to provide documentation.

Travelers under the age of 18 and travellers from countries with limited vaccination availability are excluded.&nbsp;

Accepted vaccines are those approved or authorised by the Food and Drug Administration and those listed for use by the World Health Organization: Johnson &amp; Johnson, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

The United States will also require proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the past three days for all vaccinated travellers. The country has required that since January for all arrivals, including US citizens. If a traveller is not vaccinated, the COVID-19 test must have been taken within one day of departure.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated overseas travellers, accepting people who had been barred from entering the country for the last 20 months, which is considered as a relief for the tourism sector and families who have been separated due to prior COVID-19 laws.

The United States has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated overseas travellers, accepting people who had been barred from entering the country for the last 20 months, which is considered as a relief for the tourism sector and families who have been separated due to prior COVID-19 laws. According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, foreign flight arrivals at Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy international airports are likely to increase 11% on Monday compared to a same day in October, with 253 planes planned to arrive, according to Xinhua news agency. Bookings have increased since the Joe Biden administration said it will eliminate the limitations, according to airline officials. Watch : "Shares of United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines were each up more than 1 per cent in morning trading. Those carriers have the most international service of the US airlines and stand to benefit from the resumption of US-bound travel, " reported CNBC. The ban, which was implemented by former US President Donald Trump in early 2020 and increased by Vice President Joe Biden earlier this year, barred travellers from 33 nations, including the United Kingdom, much of Europe, China, Brazil, and South Africa. Also read | Covid lottery: 25-year-old Australian woman wins $1mn for getting vaccinated Visitors can now travel into the US with documentation of complete COVID-19 vaccination. A paper certificate, a photograph of the document, or a computerised version of the document can all be used to provide documentation. Travelers under the age of 18 and travellers from countries with limited vaccination availability are excluded. Accepted vaccines are those approved or authorised by the Food and Drug Administration and those listed for use by the World Health Organization: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac. The United States will also require proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the past three days for all vaccinated travellers. The country has required that since January for all arrivals, including US citizens. If a traveller is not vaccinated, the COVID-19 test must have been taken within one day of departure. (With inputs from agencies)

US opens border to fully vaccinated international travellers, benefiting airlines

Sydney Airport Holdings said that it has agreed to accept US $17.5 billion takeover bid from a group of investors.

If the deal is accepted, it would be one of Australia’s biggest buyouts in history.

The company said in a statement that it unanimously recommended the buyout offer from Sydney Aviation Alliance (SAA), comprised of&nbsp;Australian investors IFM Investors, QSuper,&nbsp;AustralianSuper and U.S.-based Global Infrastructure Partners.

"The Sydney Airport Boards believe the outcome reflects appropriate long-term value for the airport, and unanimously recommend the proposal to security holders, subject to customary conditions such as independent expert approval and no superior proposal," Sydney Airport's chairman David Gonski said in a&nbsp;statement.

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The deal to buy&nbsp;Australia's largest and only listed&nbsp;airport&nbsp;operator comes as the country this month eased its international border restrictions for the first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A scheme implementation deed had been made on Monday and a scheme meeting would take place in January, the company said.

The deal is contingent upon an independent expert's report, approval from 75% of the airport operator’s shareholders and a green light from competition regulators and the Foreign Investment Review Board, a process that could take months, according to the news agency Reuters.

“We look forward to security holders voting on the proposed deal,” IFM Investors Chief Executive David Neal said in a statement on behalf of the consortium.

“Our alliance represents many millions of&nbsp;Australians ... and we intend to work hard to bring more flights and passengers back to the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;as the aviation industry emerges from COVID-19.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Sydney Airport Holdings said that it has agreed to accept US $17.5 billion takeover bid from a group of investors. If the deal is accepted, it would be one of Australia’s biggest buyouts in history.

Sydney Airport Holdings said that it has agreed to accept US $17.5 billion takeover bid from a group of investors. If the deal is accepted, it would be one of Australia’s biggest buyouts in history. The company said in a statement that it unanimously recommended the buyout offer from Sydney Aviation Alliance (SAA), comprised of Australian investors IFM Investors, QSuper, AustralianSuper and U.S.-based Global Infrastructure Partners. "The Sydney Airport Boards believe the outcome reflects appropriate long-term value for the airport, and unanimously recommend the proposal to security holders, subject to customary conditions such as independent expert approval and no superior proposal," Sydney Airport's chairman David Gonski said in a statement. Also read | Day after travel bubble opens with Australia, airport worker in New Zealand tests Covid positive The deal to buy Australia's largest and only listed airport operator comes as the country this month eased its international border restrictions for the first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A scheme implementation deed had been made on Monday and a scheme meeting would take place in January, the company said. The deal is contingent upon an independent expert's report, approval from 75% of the airport operator’s shareholders and a green light from competition regulators and the Foreign Investment Review Board, a process that could take months, according to the news agency Reuters. “We look forward to security holders voting on the proposed deal,” IFM Investors Chief Executive David Neal said in a statement on behalf of the consortium. “Our alliance represents many millions of Australians ... and we intend to work hard to bring more flights and passengers back to the airport as the aviation industry emerges from COVID-19.” (With inputs from agencies)

Sydney airport agrees to $17.5 billion takeover bid

One of the busiest and major airports in Spain was shut down for nearly four hours after 21 passengers fled&nbsp;a plane that had made an emergency landing due to a medical emergency.

A plane flying from Casablanca in Morocco to Istanbul, Turkey, was diverted to Palma de Mallorca on Friday.

According to local media, the Air Arabia Maroc plane made an emergency landing after a Moroccan man was said to have fallen into a diabetic coma.

When the doors of the Airbus A320 opened, a group of 21 passengers ran from the plane, reportedly escaping over the perimeter fence.

As of Saturday, 12 people have been arrested and questioned by Spain’s national police.

According to police, the Moroccan man who claimed to be ill was also arrested after a health check at a hospital found him to be fit and well.

However, a fellow passenger accompanying him to the hospital reportedly disappeared.

According to police, they are investigating whether the passengers’ escape from the plane was spontaneous or was it an attempt to immigrate illegally.

The top Spanish government official for the Balearic Islands, Aina Calvo, said the event was unprecedented for a Spanish airport.

Most of the escapees who were arrested were found by the Guardia Civil,&nbsp;the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports, noting that “one was caught walking along the road to Manacor”.

Around 60 national and international flights were diverted or delayed as a result of the incident.

The Air Arabia Maroc plane later continued to Turkey with its remaining passengers.

(With inputs from agencies)

One of the busiest and major airports in Spain was shut down for nearly four hours after 21 passengers fled a plane that had made an emergency landing due to a medical emergency.

One of the busiest and major airports in Spain was shut down for nearly four hours after 21 passengers fled a plane that had made an emergency landing due to a medical emergency. A plane flying from Casablanca in Morocco to Istanbul, Turkey, was diverted to Palma de Mallorca on Friday. According to local media, the Air Arabia Maroc plane made an emergency landing after a Moroccan man was said to have fallen into a diabetic coma. When the doors of the Airbus A320 opened, a group of 21 passengers ran from the plane, reportedly escaping over the perimeter fence. As of Saturday, 12 people have been arrested and questioned by Spain’s national police. According to police, the Moroccan man who claimed to be ill was also arrested after a health check at a hospital found him to be fit and well. However, a fellow passenger accompanying him to the hospital reportedly disappeared. According to police, they are investigating whether the passengers’ escape from the plane was spontaneous or was it an attempt to immigrate illegally. The top Spanish government official for the Balearic Islands, Aina Calvo, said the event was unprecedented for a Spanish airport. Most of the escapees who were arrested were found by the Guardia Civil, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports, noting that “one was caught walking along the road to Manacor”. Around 60 national and international flights were diverted or delayed as a result of the incident. The Air Arabia Maroc plane later continued to Turkey with its remaining passengers. (With inputs from agencies)

12 ‘illegal immigrants’ arrested for fleeing plane that made emergency landing in Spain airport

In a big win for India's Buddhist diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an International airport in Kushinagar to encourage Buddhist pilgrimage in India. The inaugural flight landed from Sri Lanka with a 120-member delegation. In attendance were representatives from 12 Asian countries. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: PM Modi inaugurates International airport at Kushinagar

Four employees of the airport of Saudi Arabia's southwestern city of Abha have been injured as a result of an attack carried out by an explosive-laden drone launched by the Yemeni Shia Houthi rebels, media reported.

The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition.

Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years.

Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen.

The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas.

The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition.

Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years.

Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen.

The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas.

Four employees of the airport of Saudi Arabia's southwestern city of Abha have been injured as a result of an attack carried out by an explosive-laden drone launched by the Yemeni Shia Houthi rebels, media reported.

Four employees of the airport of Saudi Arabia's southwestern city of Abha have been injured as a result of an attack carried out by an explosive-laden drone launched by the Yemeni Shia Houthi rebels, media reported. The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition. Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years. Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen. The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas. The drone was downed by the Saudi forces but four people were injured by debris of the destroyed drone, Saudi Arabia`s state-run Al-Ekhbariya broadcaster reported, citing the Arab coalition. Yemen has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the government forces, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and the Houthi rebels for several years. Since March 2015, the Saudi-led Arab alliance, working in cooperation with Hadi's forces, has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels, who control the capital of Sanaa and large areas in northern and western Yemen. The Houthis often use drones with explosives to attack Saudi border areas.

Four employees of airport in Saudi Arabia's Abha injured by Houthi drone attack

A wandering turtle forced an&nbsp;airport in Tokyo to temporarily suspend its operations after it was spotted on the runway by a pilot who was about to take off.

After the pilot informed the traffic controllers, the runway was shut down for 12 minutes on Friday causing a delay for five flights as the airport staff scrambled to catch the creature.

The turtle, said to be measuring about 30 centimetres in length and weighing over 2 kilograms, was walking across the runway, Narita International Airport Corporation said.

Sometimes, runways are forced to close because of aircraft parts or birds, but it’s rare to find small animals, the company reportedly said.

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Narita officials believe the creature may have come from the airport’s retention pond, located about 100 metres from the runway.

“The turtle might have crawled out of the reservoir near the runway to sunbathe since the weather has been warm the past few days,” an airport official was quoted as saying.

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The airport authorities said they will find out what type of turtle it is to decide whether it can be placed in a natural habitat.

Soon after the turtle’s safe capture, ANA’s A380 superjumbo jet “Flying Honu,” popularly known as a flying sea turtle, took off.

“In Hawaii, sea turtles are believed to bring good luck. It might be a sign of a bright future,” an ANA official said in a statement. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A wandering turtle forced an airport in Tokyo to temporarily suspend its operations after it was spotted on the runway by a pilot who was about to take off. After the pilot informed the traffic controllers, the runway was shut down for 12 minutes on Friday causing a delay for five flights as the airport staff scrambled to catch the creature.

A wandering turtle forced an airport in Tokyo to temporarily suspend its operations after it was spotted on the runway by a pilot who was about to take off. After the pilot informed the traffic controllers, the runway was shut down for 12 minutes on Friday causing a delay for five flights as the airport staff scrambled to catch the creature. The turtle, said to be measuring about 30 centimetres in length and weighing over 2 kilograms, was walking across the runway, Narita International Airport Corporation said. Sometimes, runways are forced to close because of aircraft parts or birds, but it’s rare to find small animals, the company reportedly said. Also read | UK Royal Mint launches gold bar featuring Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of wealth Narita officials believe the creature may have come from the airport’s retention pond, located about 100 metres from the runway. “The turtle might have crawled out of the reservoir near the runway to sunbathe since the weather has been warm the past few days,” an airport official was quoted as saying. Also read | Smoking weed? Your phone can detect if you’re high on marijuana The airport authorities said they will find out what type of turtle it is to decide whether it can be placed in a natural habitat. Soon after the turtle’s safe capture, ANA’s A380 superjumbo jet “Flying Honu,” popularly known as a flying sea turtle, took off. “In Hawaii, sea turtles are believed to bring good luck. It might be a sign of a bright future,” an ANA official said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Wandering turtle on runway causes delay at Tokyo airport

Afghan women have returned to their job at the Kabul international airport weeks after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. These 12 brave women are among 80 employed at the airport.

12 Afghan women return to work at Kabul international airport

Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport.

With the Islamists saying&nbsp;women&nbsp;should stay at home for their own security the risks were all too clear, but the 35-year-old mother of three felt she had little choice.

"I need money to support my family," said Rabia, wearing a navy-blue suit and make-up.&nbsp;

"I felt tension at home... I felt very bad," she told AFP. "Now I feel better."

Of the more than 80&nbsp;women&nbsp;working at the airport before Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15, just 12 have returned to their jobs.&nbsp;

But they are among very few&nbsp;women&nbsp;in the capital allowed to return to work. The Taliban have told most not to go back until further notice.

Six of the&nbsp;women&nbsp;airport workers were standing at the main entrance on Saturday, chatting and laughing while waiting to scan and search female passengers taking a domestic flight.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cartoonist-journalist-charged-under-bangladesh-internet-law-412603">Also read |&nbsp;Cartoonist, journalist charged under Bangladesh internet law</a>

Rabia's sister, 49-year-old Qudsiya Jamal, told AFP the Taliban takeover had "shocked" her.

"I was very afraid," said the mother of five, who is also her family's sole provider.

"My family was scared for me,&nbsp;they told me not to go back but I am happy now, relaxed... no problems so far."

&nbsp;'Take me to Paris'

Women's&nbsp;rights&nbsp;in Afghanistan were sharply curtailed under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule, but since returning to power the group claims they will be less extreme.

Women&nbsp;will be allowed to attend university as long as classes are segregated by sex or at least divided by a curtain, the Taliban's education authority has said, but females must also wear an abaya, an all-covering robe, and face-covering niqab veil.

Still, Alison Davidian, a representative for UN&nbsp;Women&nbsp;in Afghanistan, warned on Wednesday that the Taliban were already neglecting their promise to respect Afghan&nbsp;women's&nbsp;rights.

At the airport, which is returning to action after the hurried US withdrawal left it unusable, Rabia says she will keep working unless she is forced to stop.

Under new rules,&nbsp;women&nbsp;may work "in accordance with the principles of Islam", the Taliban have decreed, but few details have yet been given as to what exactly that might mean.

"My dream is to be the richest girl in Afghanistan, and I feel I am always the luckiest," said Rabia, who has worked since 2010 at the terminal for GAAC, a UAE-based company providing ground and security handling.

"I will do what I love until I am not lucky anymore."

Rabia's colleague, who gave her name as Zala, dreams of something completely different.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old was learning French in Kabul before she was forced to stop and stay at home for three weeks after the takeover.

"Good morning, take me to Paris," she said in broken French, as her five colleagues burst into laughter.

"But not now. Today I am one of the last&nbsp;women&nbsp;of the airport."

Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport.

Less than a month after the Taliban rolled into the Afghan capital, Rabia Jamal made a tough decision -- she would brave the hardliners and return to work at the airport. With the Islamists saying women should stay at home for their own security the risks were all too clear, but the 35-year-old mother of three felt she had little choice. "I need money to support my family," said Rabia, wearing a navy-blue suit and make-up. "I felt tension at home... I felt very bad," she told AFP. "Now I feel better." Of the more than 80 women working at the airport before Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15, just 12 have returned to their jobs. But they are among very few women in the capital allowed to return to work. The Taliban have told most not to go back until further notice. Six of the women airport workers were standing at the main entrance on Saturday, chatting and laughing while waiting to scan and search female passengers taking a domestic flight. Also read | Cartoonist, journalist charged under Bangladesh internet law Rabia's sister, 49-year-old Qudsiya Jamal, told AFP the Taliban takeover had "shocked" her. "I was very afraid," said the mother of five, who is also her family's sole provider. "My family was scared for me, they told me not to go back but I am happy now, relaxed... no problems so far." 'Take me to Paris' Women's rights in Afghanistan were sharply curtailed under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule, but since returning to power the group claims they will be less extreme. Women will be allowed to attend university as long as classes are segregated by sex or at least divided by a curtain, the Taliban's education authority has said, but females must also wear an abaya, an all-covering robe, and face-covering niqab veil. Still, Alison Davidian, a representative for UN Women in Afghanistan, warned on Wednesday that the Taliban were already neglecting their promise to respect Afghan women's rights. At the airport, which is returning to action after the hurried US withdrawal left it unusable, Rabia says she will keep working unless she is forced to stop. Under new rules, women may work "in accordance with the principles of Islam", the Taliban have decreed, but few details have yet been given as to what exactly that might mean. "My dream is to be the richest girl in Afghanistan, and I feel I am always the luckiest," said Rabia, who has worked since 2010 at the terminal for GAAC, a UAE-based company providing ground and security handling. "I will do what I love until I am not lucky anymore." Rabia's colleague, who gave her name as Zala, dreams of something completely different. The 30-year-old was learning French in Kabul before she was forced to stop and stay at home for three weeks after the takeover. "Good morning, take me to Paris," she said in broken French, as her five colleagues burst into laughter. "But not now. Today I am one of the last women of the airport."

12 female staff at Kabul airport brave fears to return to work

Some 200 passengers, including US citizens, left&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport on Thursday, on the first flight carrying foreigners out of the Afghan capital since a US-led evacuation ended on August 30.

The flight to Doha comes as the Taliban continue their transition from insurgents to governing power, less than a month after they marched into&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;and ousted former president Ashraf Ghani.

Thursday afternoon's Qatar Airways flight took some 200 people from&nbsp;Kabul's airport&nbsp;the first since a mammoth, chaotic airlift of more than 120,000 people came to a dramatic close with the US pullout.

An Afghan-American dual citizen, waiting to board the flight with his family, said the US State Department had called him in the morning and told him to go to the airport.

"We got in contact with the State Department, they gave me a call this morning and said to go to the airport," the father, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

In the days that followed the Taliban's blitz, the airport had become a tragic symbol of desperation among Afghans terrified of the militants' return to power&nbsp;with thousands of people crowding around its gates daily, and some even clinging to jets as they took off.

More than 100 people were killed, including 13 US troops, in a suicide attack on August 26 near the airport that was claimed by the Islamic State group's local chapter.

Waiting with suitcases

Footage broadcast by Al Jazeera TV on Thursday showed families including women, children and elderly people waiting with suitcases at the airport for their turn to leave.

It was not immediately clear whether any countries other than Qatar had played a role in organising the airlift.

Qatar has acted as the central intermediary between the Taliban and the international community in recent years, and numerous countries, including the United States, have relocated their embassies from&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;to Doha in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover.

"We are very appreciative of the Qataris," one man told the channel, giving his nationality as Canadian.

Away from the airport, there was a noticeably stronger Taliban presence on the streets of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;as armed fighters -- including special forces in military fatigues -- stood guard on street corners and manned checkpoints, according to AFP journalists.

Protest ban

Qatar's special envoy to Afghanistan, Mutlaq al-Qahtani, called it a "historic day" for the airport.

He also said it marked a major step on the road to "reopening ... the airport to international flights, but it may be gradual".

Most of the early Afghan evacuees were desperate to flee fearing Taliban reprisals for having worked with foreign powers during the 20-year, US-led occupation.

The United States has repeatedly pledged to continue working to evacuate any American citizens still in Afghanistan after last month's airlift ended.

Earlier Thursday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said only around 100 Americans remained in Afghanistan.

"It's right around 100 right now and we're working to get those American citizens who want to depart out of the country, as well as legal permanent residents and other key partners," Psaki told MSNBC.

The Taliban have said they will not prevent anyone who wishes to from leaving the country, even as they have urged skilled Afghans, such as doctors and engineers, to remain.

The Islamist hardliners have pledged&nbsp;a more moderate brand of rule than in their notoriously oppressive 1996-2001 reign. However, they have shown clear signs that they will not tolerate opposition.&nbsp;

Earlier this week armed Taliban militants dispersed&nbsp;hundreds of protesters in cities across Afghanistan, including&nbsp;Kabul, Faizabad&nbsp;in the northeast and in Herat in the west, where two people were shot dead.

Late Wednesday, they moved to snuff out any further civil unrest, saying protests would need prior authorisation from the justice ministry, adding that no demonstrations were allowed "for the time being".

One protest organiser told AFP rallies in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;had been cancelled because of the overnight ban.

Promises of inclusion

A Taliban interim government, drawn exclusively from loyalist ranks, formally began work this week with established hardliners in all key posts and no women despite previous promises of an inclusive administration for all Afghans.

All the top positions have been handed to key leaders from the movement and in particular the Haqqani network -- the most violent Taliban faction, known for devastating attacks.

The dreaded Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice&nbsp;previously responsible for arresting and punishing people for failing to follow the movement's restrictive interpretation of sharia is being reinstated.

Some 200 passengers, including US citizens, left Kabul airport on Thursday, on the first flight carrying foreigners out of the Afghan capital since a US-led evacuation ended on August 30.

Some 200 passengers, including US citizens, left Kabul airport on Thursday, on the first flight carrying foreigners out of the Afghan capital since a US-led evacuation ended on August 30. The flight to Doha comes as the Taliban continue their transition from insurgents to governing power, less than a month after they marched into Kabul and ousted former president Ashraf Ghani. Thursday afternoon's Qatar Airways flight took some 200 people from Kabul's airport the first since a mammoth, chaotic airlift of more than 120,000 people came to a dramatic close with the US pullout. An Afghan-American dual citizen, waiting to board the flight with his family, said the US State Department had called him in the morning and told him to go to the airport. "We got in contact with the State Department, they gave me a call this morning and said to go to the airport," the father, who asked not to be named, told AFP. In the days that followed the Taliban's blitz, the airport had become a tragic symbol of desperation among Afghans terrified of the militants' return to power with thousands of people crowding around its gates daily, and some even clinging to jets as they took off. More than 100 people were killed, including 13 US troops, in a suicide attack on August 26 near the airport that was claimed by the Islamic State group's local chapter. Waiting with suitcases Footage broadcast by Al Jazeera TV on Thursday showed families including women, children and elderly people waiting with suitcases at the airport for their turn to leave. It was not immediately clear whether any countries other than Qatar had played a role in organising the airlift. Qatar has acted as the central intermediary between the Taliban and the international community in recent years, and numerous countries, including the United States, have relocated their embassies from Kabul to Doha in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover. "We are very appreciative of the Qataris," one man told the channel, giving his nationality as Canadian. Away from the airport, there was a noticeably stronger Taliban presence on the streets of Kabul as armed fighters -- including special forces in military fatigues -- stood guard on street corners and manned checkpoints, according to AFP journalists. Protest ban Qatar's special envoy to Afghanistan, Mutlaq al-Qahtani, called it a "historic day" for the airport. He also said it marked a major step on the road to "reopening ... the airport to international flights, but it may be gradual". Most of the early Afghan evacuees were desperate to flee fearing Taliban reprisals for having worked with foreign powers during the 20-year, US-led occupation. The United States has repeatedly pledged to continue working to evacuate any American citizens still in Afghanistan after last month's airlift ended. Earlier Thursday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said only around 100 Americans remained in Afghanistan. "It's right around 100 right now and we're working to get those American citizens who want to depart out of the country, as well as legal permanent residents and other key partners," Psaki told MSNBC. The Taliban have said they will not prevent anyone who wishes to from leaving the country, even as they have urged skilled Afghans, such as doctors and engineers, to remain. The Islamist hardliners have pledged a more moderate brand of rule than in their notoriously oppressive 1996-2001 reign. However, they have shown clear signs that they will not tolerate opposition. Earlier this week armed Taliban militants dispersed hundreds of protesters in cities across Afghanistan, including Kabul, Faizabad in the northeast and in Herat in the west, where two people were shot dead. Late Wednesday, they moved to snuff out any further civil unrest, saying protests would need prior authorisation from the justice ministry, adding that no demonstrations were allowed "for the time being". One protest organiser told AFP rallies in Kabul had been cancelled because of the overnight ban. Promises of inclusion A Taliban interim government, drawn exclusively from loyalist ranks, formally began work this week with established hardliners in all key posts and no women despite previous promises of an inclusive administration for all Afghans. All the top positions have been handed to key leaders from the movement and in particular the Haqqani network -- the most violent Taliban faction, known for devastating attacks. The dreaded Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice previously responsible for arresting and punishing people for failing to follow the movement's restrictive interpretation of sharia is being reinstated.

First evacuation flight takes off from Kabul since US troop withdrawal

Rome’s main airport border police seems to have stopped a Naples tobacco shop owner, who is suspected of running off with a customer’s winning game ticket. &nbsp;

The shop owner was trying to board a flight to the Canary Islands, news reports said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;European carmakers try to shift to EVs

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As per the LaPresse news agency on Sunday, the man did not have the filched card worth €500,000 (£429,000) with him, but he did have a plane ticket for Fuerteventura. &nbsp;

The man was wanted for investigation of suspected theft. He has not been identified. He allegedly snatched the ticket and ran off with it on his scooter after the customer on Friday asked the shop in a working-class district of Naples to verify the win, which was the top prize. &nbsp;

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An elderly woman, who had purchased two “scratch and win” cards, asked a shop employee to verify the win. The employee then gave the card to one of the shop’s owners for making the final check, reports said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But instead, the owner allegedly kept the card and raced off on his scooter. The investigators are still looking for the card. &nbsp;

However, the authorities at the Italian tax office, which runs the “scratch and win” operation, have frozen the entire block of card numbers that were distributed to the tobacco shop to prevent anyone cashing in the card.&nbsp;

Rome’s main airport border police seems to have stopped a Naples tobacco shop owner, who is suspected of running off with a customer’s winning game ticket. The shop owner was trying to board a flight to the Canary Islands, news reports said.

Rome’s main airport border police seems to have stopped a Naples tobacco shop owner, who is suspected of running off with a customer’s winning game ticket. The shop owner was trying to board a flight to the Canary Islands, news reports said. Watch: European carmakers try to shift to EVs × As per the LaPresse news agency on Sunday, the man did not have the filched card worth €500,000 (£429,000) with him, but he did have a plane ticket for Fuerteventura. The man was wanted for investigation of suspected theft. He has not been identified. He allegedly snatched the ticket and ran off with it on his scooter after the customer on Friday asked the shop in a working-class district of Naples to verify the win, which was the top prize. Also Read: UK to increase freeze limit for eggs, sperm, embryo to 55 years from 10 now An elderly woman, who had purchased two “scratch and win” cards, asked a shop employee to verify the win. The employee then gave the card to one of the shop’s owners for making the final check, reports said. But instead, the owner allegedly kept the card and raced off on his scooter. The investigators are still looking for the card. However, the authorities at the Italian tax office, which runs the “scratch and win” operation, have frozen the entire block of card numbers that were distributed to the tobacco shop to prevent anyone cashing in the card.

Suspected thief of winning scratch card stopped at Rome airport

The United States urged its&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;Friday to "immediately"&nbsp;leave&nbsp;the&nbsp;gates&nbsp;around&nbsp;Kabul's&nbsp;airport, where a suicide bomber this week targeted crowds trying to flee Taliban rule.

Earlier Friday, the Pentagon said that the high-risk&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airlift operation to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies still faced "specific, credible threats".

"US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;who are at the Abbey gate, East gate, North gate or the New Ministry of Interior gate now should&nbsp;leave&nbsp;immediately," the US Embassy in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;said in a security alert.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-list-biden-says-us-troops-may-have-handed-a-list-of-american-citizens-to-taliban-408871">Also read |&nbsp;Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban</a>

"Because of security threats at the&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;airport, we continue to advise US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;to avoid traveling to the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;and to avoid&nbsp;airport&nbsp;gates," the embassy said.

The alert gave no further details on what the security threats might be, but it followed Thursday's attack that killed scores of people including 13 US servicemen.

The blast claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group targeted US forces, but hit hardest the mass of people who had converged on the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;in a desperate bid to escape the Taliban's feared hardline rule.

The United States urged its citizens Friday to "immediately" leave the gates around Kabul's airport, where a suicide bomber this week targeted crowds trying to flee Taliban rule.

The United States urged its citizens Friday to "immediately" leave the gates around Kabul's airport, where a suicide bomber this week targeted crowds trying to flee Taliban rule. Earlier Friday, the Pentagon said that the high-risk Kabul airlift operation to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies still faced "specific, credible threats". "US citizens who are at the Abbey gate, East gate, North gate or the New Ministry of Interior gate now should leave immediately," the US Embassy in Kabul said in a security alert. Also read | Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban "Because of security threats at the Kabul airport, we continue to advise US citizens to avoid traveling to the airport and to avoid airport gates," the embassy said. The alert gave no further details on what the security threats might be, but it followed Thursday's attack that killed scores of people including 13 US servicemen. The blast claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group targeted US forces, but hit hardest the mass of people who had converged on the airport in a desperate bid to escape the Taliban's feared hardline rule.

US tells citizens to leave Kabul airport gates 'immediately'

In Pics | Dozens of civilians, at least 13 US troops killed in Kabul airport attack

Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport was rocked by two explosions, which is believed to have killed at least 60&nbsp;people and injured more than 100 people. The massive bomb blast is claimed to have injured three US soldiers as well as Taliban guards.

The blast occurred near the Abbey gate entry, where British forces have recently been stationed.

It was one of three gates that had been shut after terrorist threats were issued.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-twin-blasts-rock-kabul-13-killed-60-injured-at-afghanistan-evacuation-site-408582" hreflang="en">Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 1400 injured at Afghan evacuation site</a></h2>

Various images and videos have emerged on social media showing people, including children, walking around in shock at the scene. People with noticeable injuries and blood can also be seen.&nbsp;

Condemning the attack, global leaders expressed their grief for the lives lost.

US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby tweeted that "We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport. Casualties are unclear at this time. We will provide additional details when we can."

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We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US &amp; civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.
— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentagonPresSec/status/1430907314043719683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ex Vice President of US, Mike Pence, urged America to do whatever it is in its power and protect the troops.&nbsp;

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Praying for the three U.S. Marines and innocent civilians injured in the terrorist attacks near Kabul Airport today. America must do whatever it takes to protect our troops and our citizens stranded in this disastrous withdrawal. God bless them all.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1430923085515997187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allied forces should continue to evacuate as many vulnerable people as they can from Kabul despite what he branded a "horrific terrorist attack".&nbsp;

"Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible," he tweeted after two deadly explosions hit crowds on the perimeter of the airport in Afghanistan's capital.&nbsp;

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I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> airport. My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones. Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1430914579563835405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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France, however, is still seeking to evacuate hundreds more people from Afghanistan ahead of a looming deadline, President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;said&nbsp;warning of an "extremely risky" situation in the wake of blasts around Kabul airport.

"We will do everything we can" to bring to France Afghan citizens and dual nationals who had been in its embassy and are currently outside the perimeter of the airport in 20 buses, Macron said on a visit to Ireland.

"We are talking about several hundred people who are still in danger," he said. "I cannot guarantee you today that we will be able to carry out these operations, because the security situation is not under our control."

President Joe&nbsp;Biden is being briefed on the bloody attack against Kabul's airport, the White House. "The president has been briefed and he is in the Situation Room," an official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

As a result of the crisis, a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett planned for 11:30 "will be delayed," a White House official said.

"There is not yet an updated time for the meeting," a spokesman for Bennett said, adding the delay was due "to the events in Afghanistan."

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WH: The President met with national security team, including Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, Chairman Milley, and commanders on the ground. He will continue to be briefed on updates on the evolving situation thru the day. 
Briefing delayed, updates to POTUS schedule to come
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacquiHeinrich/status/1430923319180767239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stéphane Dujarric, also condemned the deadly blasts saying the "attack which killed and injured a number of civilians and extends his deep condolences to the families of those killed."

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Secretary-General <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> expresses his deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating socio-economic situation in Lebanon. He calls on all Lebanese political leaders to form an effective government of national unity: <a href="https://t.co/mzbD09psSR">https://t.co/mzbD09psSR</a>
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Spokesperson/status/1430930422893056003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Calling it a "heinous" attack, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel also condemned the attack.&nbsp;"We don't know all the details yet but the terrorists targeted people waiting at the airport gates who were hoping to leave," Merkel said. "They wanted security and freedom and that is why it is an absolutely heinous attack in a very, very tense situation."

UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a press conference and condemned the attack. He offered condolences to the locals of Afghanistan and the US military troops stationed in Kabul right now.

"We extend our condolences both to the United States of America and the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan," Johnson said. He also assured that the UK will continue evacuating British passport holders and others from Kabul as the evacuation was near the end, anyhow.

India, too, extended "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.

Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport was rocked by two explosions, which is believed to have killed at least 60 people and injured more than 100 people. The massive bomb blast is claimed to have injured three US soldiers as well as Taliban guards.

Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport was rocked by two explosions, which is believed to have killed at least 60 people and injured more than 100 people. The massive bomb blast is claimed to have injured three US soldiers as well as Taliban guards. The blast occurred near the Abbey gate entry, where British forces have recently been stationed. It was one of three gates that had been shut after terrorist threats were issued. Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 1400 injured at Afghan evacuation site Various images and videos have emerged on social media showing people, including children, walking around in shock at the scene. People with noticeable injuries and blood can also be seen. Condemning the attack, global leaders expressed their grief for the lives lost. US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby tweeted that "We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport. Casualties are unclear at this time. We will provide additional details when we can." We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update. — John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021 × Ex Vice President of US, Mike Pence, urged America to do whatever it is in its power and protect the troops. Praying for the three U.S. Marines and innocent civilians injured in the terrorist attacks near Kabul Airport today. America must do whatever it takes to protect our troops and our citizens stranded in this disastrous withdrawal. God bless them all. — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) August 26, 2021 × NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allied forces should continue to evacuate as many vulnerable people as they can from Kabul despite what he branded a "horrific terrorist attack". "Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible," he tweeted after two deadly explosions hit crowds on the perimeter of the airport in Afghanistan's capital. I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack outside #Kabul airport. My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones. Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible. — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) August 26, 2021 × France, however, is still seeking to evacuate hundreds more people from Afghanistan ahead of a looming deadline, President Emmanuel Macron said warning of an "extremely risky" situation in the wake of blasts around Kabul airport. "We will do everything we can" to bring to France Afghan citizens and dual nationals who had been in its embassy and are currently outside the perimeter of the airport in 20 buses, Macron said on a visit to Ireland. "We are talking about several hundred people who are still in danger," he said. "I cannot guarantee you today that we will be able to carry out these operations, because the security situation is not under our control." President Joe Biden is being briefed on the bloody attack against Kabul's airport, the White House. "The president has been briefed and he is in the Situation Room," an official told AFP on condition of anonymity. As a result of the crisis, a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett planned for 11:30 "will be delayed," a White House official said. "There is not yet an updated time for the meeting," a spokesman for Bennett said, adding the delay was due "to the events in Afghanistan." WH: The President met with national security team, including Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, Chairman Milley, and commanders on the ground. He will continue to be briefed on updates on the evolving situation thru the day. Briefing delayed, updates to POTUS schedule to come — Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) August 26, 2021 × The spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stéphane Dujarric, also condemned the deadly blasts saying the "attack which killed and injured a number of civilians and extends his deep condolences to the families of those killed." Secretary-General @antonioguterres expresses his deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating socio-economic situation in Lebanon. He calls on all Lebanese political leaders to form an effective government of national unity: https://t.co/mzbD09psSR — UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) August 26, 2021 × Calling it a "heinous" attack, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel also condemned the attack. "We don't know all the details yet but the terrorists targeted people waiting at the airport gates who were hoping to leave," Merkel said. "They wanted security and freedom and that is why it is an absolutely heinous attack in a very, very tense situation." UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a press conference and condemned the attack. He offered condolences to the locals of Afghanistan and the US military troops stationed in Kabul right now. "We extend our condolences both to the United States of America and the people of Afghanistan," Johnson said. He also assured that the UK will continue evacuating British passport holders and others from Kabul as the evacuation was near the end, anyhow. India, too, extended "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.

Kabul airport attack: Global leaders condemn the horrific attack

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. &nbsp;

The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." &nbsp;&nbsp;

A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. &nbsp;

To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. &nbsp;

An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. &nbsp;

Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. &nbsp;

"Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday.

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. "Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces establish alternate routes to Kabul airport over ISIS threat

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