Over 1,700 US flights were cancelled on Wednesday (January 5), amid a surge in Omicron cases. The total number of flight cancellations since Christmas Eve has now reached approximately 20,000.&nbsp;

The Christmas holidays are typically a peak time for air travel, but the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant has led to a sharp increase in Covid infections. This has forced several airlines to cancel flights.&nbsp;

According to FlightAware, a total of 1,760 flights within, into or out of the US were cancelled. There were also delays in several airlines for US flights. Also, Southwest cancelled 531 flights on Wednesday and United cancelled 169 flights.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-cdc-suggests-pfizer-booster-shot-for-kids-aged-12-and-above-442658">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron update: CDC suggests Pfizer booster shot for kids aged 12 and above</a>

This happened on the same day when the US set global record, reporting more than 1 million cases. Due to weekend tally delays, Monday's figures are usually higher than those of the weekend and may have been inflated by a three-day New Year's holiday weekend.

As of Monday evening, Johns Hopkins University reported that the rolling average over seven days, which experts deem more reliable, was 486,000 cases per day.

The Omicron variant accounted for around 59 per cent of cases in the US near the end of last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 1,700 US flights were cancelled on Wednesday (January 5), amid a surge in Omicron cases. The total number of flight cancellations since Christmas Eve has now reached approximately 20,000.

Over 1,700 US flights were cancelled on Wednesday (January 5), amid a surge in Omicron cases. The total number of flight cancellations since Christmas Eve has now reached approximately 20,000. The Christmas holidays are typically a peak time for air travel, but the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant has led to a sharp increase in Covid infections. This has forced several airlines to cancel flights. According to FlightAware, a total of 1,760 flights within, into or out of the US were cancelled. There were also delays in several airlines for US flights. Also, Southwest cancelled 531 flights on Wednesday and United cancelled 169 flights. Also read | Omicron update: CDC suggests Pfizer booster shot for kids aged 12 and above This happened on the same day when the US set global record, reporting more than 1 million cases. Due to weekend tally delays, Monday's figures are usually higher than those of the weekend and may have been inflated by a three-day New Year's holiday weekend. As of Monday evening, Johns Hopkins University reported that the rolling average over seven days, which experts deem more reliable, was 486,000 cases per day. The Omicron variant accounted for around 59 per cent of cases in the US near the end of last year. (With inputs from agencies)

As cases in US surge, 1,700 flights canceled taking the count to 20,000 since Christmas eve

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has affected Christmas weekend travel plans globally, with nearly 6,000 flights being cancelled.

Almost 6,000 flights cancelled after Coronavirus cases surged worldwide

Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of&nbsp;more than 100 domestic flights&nbsp;on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation. &nbsp;

Around 77 flights have been stopped by ANA Holdings as of 1 pm (0400 GMT), which has affected about 5,100 passengers, said Yutaka Kitahara, operations director of the company. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-6000-flights-grounded-globally-over-christmas-weekend-amid-omicron-surge-439999">Over 6,000 flights grounded globally over Christmas weekend amid Omicron surge</a>

Kitahara said, "As the weather situation in northeastern Japan remains unstable, there could be more cancellations to come." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Not just this, 35 flights have also been cancelled by Japan Airlines Co as of 10 am (0100 GMT). The move will affect 1,810 passengers, said a representative of the operations division of the airline. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-and-us-draft-joint-military-plan-to-protect-taiwan-from-china-report-439491" hreflang="en">Japan and US draft joint military plan to protect Taiwan from China: Report</a>

Numerous flights have already been cancelled around the world during the Christmas weekend over staffing issues due to the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.

As Japan has tightened border controls, the country has reported only a dozen cases of community spread of the new variant. It has recorded just 231 Omicron infections in total, which include overseas arrivals, as per the health ministry of the country. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of more than 100 domestic flights on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation.

Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of more than 100 domestic flights on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation. Around 77 flights have been stopped by ANA Holdings as of 1 pm (0400 GMT), which has affected about 5,100 passengers, said Yutaka Kitahara, operations director of the company. Also Read: Over 6,000 flights grounded globally over Christmas weekend amid Omicron surge Kitahara said, "As the weather situation in northeastern Japan remains unstable, there could be more cancellations to come." Not just this, 35 flights have also been cancelled by Japan Airlines Co as of 10 am (0100 GMT). The move will affect 1,810 passengers, said a representative of the operations division of the airline. Also Read | Japan and US draft joint military plan to protect Taiwan from China: Report Numerous flights have already been cancelled around the world during the Christmas weekend over staffing issues due to the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. As Japan has tightened border controls, the country has reported only a dozen cases of community spread of the new variant. It has recorded just 231 Omicron infections in total, which include overseas arrivals, as per the health ministry of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Heavy snow in Japan leads to cancellation of over 100 domestic flights

Omicron has pushed back the resumption of scheduled international flights. They will now remain suspended till January 31, 2022, as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines.

India: No commercial flights till January 31, order released by DGCA | Omicron Variant

Major US&nbsp;air carriers warned on Wednesday that plans by wireless carriers to use spectrum for 5G wireless services starting Jan. 5 could disrupt thousands of daily flights and cost air passengers $1.6 billion annually in delays. 
 
AT&amp;T and Verizon Communications must delay the plans to use C-Band spectrum for 5G wireless services, United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby said following a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing, saying it could delay, divert or cancel about 4% of daily flights and impact hundreds of thousands of passengers. 
 
"It would be a catastrophic failure of government," Kirby told reporters. 
 
The aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with sensitive aircraft electronics like radio altimeters. 
 
Last week, the FAA issued new airworthiness directives warning that interference from 5G wireless spectrum could result in flight diversions, but did not quantify the impact. 
 
"Coming Jan. 5 -- unless something changes -- we will not be able to use radio altimeters at 40-something of the largest airports in the country," Kirby said. "It is a certainty. This is not a debate." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-claims-to-have-70-of-global-5g-stations-amid-international-security-concerns-397786">Also read | China claims to have 70% of global 5G stations amid international security concerns</a> 
 
Kirby said it would mean that at major U.S. airports in the event of bad weather, cloud cover or even heavy smog "you could only do visual approaches essentially." 
 
Trade group Airlines for America (A4A) said Wednesday that if the FAA 5G directive had been in effect in 2019, "approximately 345,000 passenger flights, 32 million passengers, and 5,400 cargo flights would have been impacted in the form of delayed flights, diversions, or cancellations." 
 
Southwest Airlines` chief executive, Gary Kelly, told the Senate hearing that if the FAA directive takes effect it "would be a significant setback" to its operations. 
 
The wireless industry defended the technology. 
 
"The aviation industry’s fearmongering relies on completely discredited information and deliberate distortions of fact," CTIA, a wireless trade group, said. 
 
It said that 5G operates safely and without causing harmful interference to aviation operations in nearly 40 countries around the world. 
 
Watch | Tech It Out: Is 5G safe to use?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-it-out-is-5g-safe-to-use-390118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Biden administration is eager to see the issue resolved. White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese met with Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the issue Wednesday, sources told Reuters. The White House and the Transportation Department did not comment. 
 
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn at the hearing urged airlines to work with the wireless carriers to reach agreement. 
 
Rosenworcel, who did not comment Wednesday, has said she believes the issues can be resolved and spectrum safely used. 
 
In addition to agreeing to delay the commercial launch of C-band wireless service until Jan. 5, AT&amp;T and Verizon in November adopted precautionary measures for six months to limit interference. 
 
Aviation industry groups said they were insufficient to address air safety concerns and have made a counterproposal. 
 
United`s Kirby said the FCC and FAA "need to get in a room and talk to each other and solve the problem," adding that the issue "cannot be solved on the back of airlines." 
 
A4A said the FAA directive would "materially disrupt airline operations" and said cargo operators estimate it "would have cost them $400 million annually." 
 
The group said "the annual impact cost to passengers to be approximately $1.59 billion" of travel delays. 
 
Wireless carriers have shown no interest in further delays to using the spectrum, which the industry paid more than $80 billion to acquire. 
 
The FAA directives order revising airplane and helicopter flight manuals to prohibit some operations requiring radio altimeter data when in the presence of 5G C-Band wireless broadband signals. 
 
The FAA plans to issue further notices to airlines before Jan. 5 offering more detail on the potential interference and is in discussion about which altimeters could be used under the current mitigation plans.

Major US air carriers warned on Wednesday that plans by wireless carriers to use spectrum for 5G wireless services starting Jan. 5 could disrupt thousands of daily flights and cost air passengers $1.

Major US air carriers warned on Wednesday that plans by wireless carriers to use spectrum for 5G wireless services starting Jan. 5 could disrupt thousands of daily flights and cost air passengers $1.6 billion annually in delays. AT&T and Verizon Communications must delay the plans to use C-Band spectrum for 5G wireless services, United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby said following a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing, saying it could delay, divert or cancel about 4% of daily flights and impact hundreds of thousands of passengers. "It would be a catastrophic failure of government," Kirby told reporters. The aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with sensitive aircraft electronics like radio altimeters. Last week, the FAA issued new airworthiness directives warning that interference from 5G wireless spectrum could result in flight diversions, but did not quantify the impact. "Coming Jan. 5 -- unless something changes -- we will not be able to use radio altimeters at 40-something of the largest airports in the country," Kirby said. "It is a certainty. This is not a debate." Also read | China claims to have 70% of global 5G stations amid international security concerns Kirby said it would mean that at major U.S. airports in the event of bad weather, cloud cover or even heavy smog "you could only do visual approaches essentially." Trade group Airlines for America (A4A) said Wednesday that if the FAA 5G directive had been in effect in 2019, "approximately 345,000 passenger flights, 32 million passengers, and 5,400 cargo flights would have been impacted in the form of delayed flights, diversions, or cancellations." Southwest Airlines` chief executive, Gary Kelly, told the Senate hearing that if the FAA directive takes effect it "would be a significant setback" to its operations. The wireless industry defended the technology. "The aviation industry’s fearmongering relies on completely discredited information and deliberate distortions of fact," CTIA, a wireless trade group, said. It said that 5G operates safely and without causing harmful interference to aviation operations in nearly 40 countries around the world. Watch | Tech It Out: Is 5G safe to use? The Biden administration is eager to see the issue resolved. White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese met with Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the issue Wednesday, sources told Reuters. The White House and the Transportation Department did not comment. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn at the hearing urged airlines to work with the wireless carriers to reach agreement. Rosenworcel, who did not comment Wednesday, has said she believes the issues can be resolved and spectrum safely used. In addition to agreeing to delay the commercial launch of C-band wireless service until Jan. 5, AT&T and Verizon in November adopted precautionary measures for six months to limit interference. Aviation industry groups said they were insufficient to address air safety concerns and have made a counterproposal. United`s Kirby said the FCC and FAA "need to get in a room and talk to each other and solve the problem," adding that the issue "cannot be solved on the back of airlines." A4A said the FAA directive would "materially disrupt airline operations" and said cargo operators estimate it "would have cost them $400 million annually." The group said "the annual impact cost to passengers to be approximately $1.59 billion" of travel delays. Wireless carriers have shown no interest in further delays to using the spectrum, which the industry paid more than $80 billion to acquire. The FAA directives order revising airplane and helicopter flight manuals to prohibit some operations requiring radio altimeter data when in the presence of 5G C-Band wireless broadband signals. The FAA plans to issue further notices to airlines before Jan. 5 offering more detail on the potential interference and is in discussion about which altimeters could be used under the current mitigation plans.

5G wireless services could wreak havoc with flights, warn US airlines

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;

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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

International flight services, which were suspended owing to the Covid pandemic, could resume operations in India towards the year-end, government officials said on Wednesday.

The Indian government has been allowing commercial flights on a case-to-case basis till now.

Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal said that international flight services are expected to be normalised “very soon” and “by the end of this year”.

All scheduled international flights were suspended since March 2020 during the pandemic. The suspension was then extended till November 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/flights-suspension-from-india-pak-bangladesh-and-lanka-to-uae-extended-till-aug-7-402535">Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7&nbsp;</a>

Recently, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had said that the government was keen to resume normal international travel operations, but in a safe environment.

“I am all for regaining our space in the civil aviation arena in the world and making a hub in India and for more wide body aircraft. We will get there but bear with me and trust me, I am on your side. We will work together but in a safe environment," he had said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-canada-direct-flights-to-resume-from-monday-416088">India-Canada direct flights to resume from Monday</a>

India has formed air-bubble pacts with around 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France.

Under an air-bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories with specific restriction.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;India and Singapore&nbsp;agreed to resume commercial flights. The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) programme between the countries will allow quarantine-free travel. Six flights from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai are scheduled to resume from November 29.

(With inputs from agencies)

International flight services, which were suspended owing to the Covid pandemic, could resume operations in India towards the year-end, government officials said on Wednesday.

International flight services, which were suspended owing to the Covid pandemic, could resume operations in India towards the year-end, government officials said on Wednesday. The Indian government has been allowing commercial flights on a case-to-case basis till now. Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal said that international flight services are expected to be normalised “very soon” and “by the end of this year”. All scheduled international flights were suspended since March 2020 during the pandemic. The suspension was then extended till November 30. Also read | Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7 Recently, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had said that the government was keen to resume normal international travel operations, but in a safe environment. “I am all for regaining our space in the civil aviation arena in the world and making a hub in India and for more wide body aircraft. We will get there but bear with me and trust me, I am on your side. We will work together but in a safe environment," he had said. Also read | India-Canada direct flights to resume from Monday India has formed air-bubble pacts with around 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air-bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories with specific restriction. Earlier this month, India and Singapore agreed to resume commercial flights. The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) programme between the countries will allow quarantine-free travel. Six flights from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai are scheduled to resume from November 29. (With inputs from agencies)

International flight services may resume by end of this year: Indian government

Are Saudi Arabia & Israel going to formalise ties? On Monday, a flight from Riyadh landed in Tel Aviv. On Tuesday, an Israeli jet landed in Riyadh. What are the two countries up to? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: First Israeli flight lands in Riyadh

Pakistan international airlines have decided to resume flights to and from Afghanistan. This comes after airlines had suspended operations in Kabul citing heavy interference from the Taliban.

Pakistan airlines to resume operations in Afghanistan

The Afghan government under Taliban has sent letters to various countries asking them to resume flight operations in Afghanistan, the problem of Kabul International airport has now been resumed.

Future of Kabul airport at stake, Taliban urges countries to resume flight operations

The Taliban want India to resume flights. In a letter to DGCA India, they have requested 'smooth passenger movement' & given their 'highest assurance'. Palki Sharma asks: Do the Taliban's assurances work anymore?

Gravitas: The Taliban wants India to resume flights

According to reports, Taliban has requested India to resume commercial flight operations to Afghanistan. All flight operations from India to Kabul were halted on August 15, after Taliban took over Afghanistan. Anas Mallick brings all the latest developments.

Taliban requests India to resume commercial flight operations

The Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has written to Indian aviation regulator DGCA to resume commercial flights between the countries.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is yet to take a decision in the matter.

The last commercial flight between India and Afghanistan was operated by Air India on Kabul-Delhi route on August 15, the day Kabul fell to the Taliban. Afghanistan airspace was declared "uncontrolled" by the CAA on August 16.

In a letter dated September 7, 2021, CAA's Acting Minister Alhaj Hameedullah Akhunzada requested the DGCA to permit commercial flights of Ariana Afghan airline and Kam Air between India and Afghanistan.

Akhunzada stated in his letter: "As you are well informed that recently the Kabul airport was damaged and (left) dysfunctional by American troops before their withdrawal."

With the help of technical assistance by Qatar, the airport became operational once again and a NOTAM (notice to airmen) in this regard was issued on September 6, he noted.

"The intention of this letter is to keep the smooth passenger movement between two countries based on signed MoU and our national carriers (Ariana Afghan airline and Kam Air) aim to commence their scheduled flights," he said.

Therefore, Afghanistan CAA requests you to facilitate their commercial flights, Akhunzada noted.

"The civil aviation of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan avails its highest assurance," he added.

As a neighbour of Afghanistan, India is naturally concerned about the recent changes in that country and their implications for the region, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had said on September 20.

He demanded that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts.

The Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has written to Indian aviation regulator DGCA to resume commercial flights between the countries.

The Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has written to Indian aviation regulator DGCA to resume commercial flights between the countries. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is yet to take a decision in the matter. The last commercial flight between India and Afghanistan was operated by Air India on Kabul-Delhi route on August 15, the day Kabul fell to the Taliban. Afghanistan airspace was declared "uncontrolled" by the CAA on August 16. In a letter dated September 7, 2021, CAA's Acting Minister Alhaj Hameedullah Akhunzada requested the DGCA to permit commercial flights of Ariana Afghan airline and Kam Air between India and Afghanistan. Akhunzada stated in his letter: "As you are well informed that recently the Kabul airport was damaged and (left) dysfunctional by American troops before their withdrawal." With the help of technical assistance by Qatar, the airport became operational once again and a NOTAM (notice to airmen) in this regard was issued on September 6, he noted. "The intention of this letter is to keep the smooth passenger movement between two countries based on signed MoU and our national carriers (Ariana Afghan airline and Kam Air) aim to commence their scheduled flights," he said. Therefore, Afghanistan CAA requests you to facilitate their commercial flights, Akhunzada noted. "The civil aviation of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan avails its highest assurance," he added. As a neighbour of Afghanistan, India is naturally concerned about the recent changes in that country and their implications for the region, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had said on September 20. He demanded that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts.

Taliban-controlled CAA writes to DGCA to resume commercial flights between India and Afghanistan

After more than five months, Canada has finally lifted the ban on direct passenger flights from India. The ban was imposed in April this year when the second wave of COVID-19 swept India.&nbsp;

Air Canada is likely to operate the first direct flight between the two countries on Monday, whereas Air India will resume services on September 30.

The ban was lifted after test results of passengers who flew to Canada from New Delhi aboard three Air Canada flights came out to be negative.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-prepares-for-staff-shortages-as-it-prepares-to-enforce-its-covid-19-vaccination-deadline-416065">Also read |&nbsp;New York prepares for staff shortages as it prepares to enforce its COVID-19 vaccination deadline</a>

“Travellers must have proof of a negative Covid-19 molecular test (RT-PCR) from the approved Genestrings laboratory at the Delhi airport, taken within 18 hours of the scheduled departure of their direct flight to Canada,” it added. They will have to “present the test report with a QR code issued by this laboratory to the air operator before boarding,” an updated travel advisory from the Canadian government stated.

It further said that those who “have previously tested positive for Covid-19 can present a positive molecular test report issued by a certified laboratory in India. The date of collection must be between 14 and 180 days before their scheduled departure to Canada."

“Airlines will refuse boarding to any traveller who’s unable to meet these requirements,” it added.

After more than five months, Canada has finally lifted the ban on direct passenger flights from India. The ban was imposed in April this year when the second wave of COVID-19 swept India.

After more than five months, Canada has finally lifted the ban on direct passenger flights from India. The ban was imposed in April this year when the second wave of COVID-19 swept India. Air Canada is likely to operate the first direct flight between the two countries on Monday, whereas Air India will resume services on September 30. The ban was lifted after test results of passengers who flew to Canada from New Delhi aboard three Air Canada flights came out to be negative. Also read | New York prepares for staff shortages as it prepares to enforce its COVID-19 vaccination deadline “Travellers must have proof of a negative Covid-19 molecular test (RT-PCR) from the approved Genestrings laboratory at the Delhi airport, taken within 18 hours of the scheduled departure of their direct flight to Canada,” it added. They will have to “present the test report with a QR code issued by this laboratory to the air operator before boarding,” an updated travel advisory from the Canadian government stated. It further said that those who “have previously tested positive for Covid-19 can present a positive molecular test report issued by a certified laboratory in India. The date of collection must be between 14 and 180 days before their scheduled departure to Canada." “Airlines will refuse boarding to any traveller who’s unable to meet these requirements,” it added.

India-Canada direct flights to resume from Monday

About 1,000 people, including Americans and Afghans holding visas for the US and other countries, are still stuck in Afghanistan. 6 days after the US troops withdrawal many people await the Taliban clearance for flights out of the country.

Over 1,000 await Taliban clearance for flights out of Afghanistan

Domestic flights are all set to resume in Afghanistan on Friday, the country's flag carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines said.

"We have received a green light from the Taliban and aviation authorities and plan to start flights today," Tamim Ahmadi, a senior manager with the airline told AFP.

The new government is in the final stages of formation and the names are expected to be announced very soon as the top leaders have arrived in Kabul.

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Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15 and gave the US and other countries time till August 31 to evacuate their citizens and withdraw troops from the nation.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of September, the Taliban has been planning to launch a new government.

Meanwhile, the Taliban has been working on reinstating normalcy in Afghanistan since the US troops left.&nbsp;

There have also been reports of women and university students in Herat protesting to ensure the preservation of achievements in the past 20 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216">Also read |&nbsp;Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

Afghanistan's Tolo News reported the women appealed to the international community not to forget them as they took to the streets with placards.

There were at least 50 women involved in the protests reports said as the Taliban begins final preparation to form the government.

Women protesters chanted "right to have education, work and security" while taking out demonstrations on the street.

Domestic flights are all set to resume in Afghanistan on Friday, the country's flag carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines said. "We have received a green light from the Taliban and aviation authorities and plan to start flights today," Tamim Ahmadi, a senior manager with the airline told AFP.

Domestic flights are all set to resume in Afghanistan on Friday, the country's flag carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines said. "We have received a green light from the Taliban and aviation authorities and plan to start flights today," Tamim Ahmadi, a senior manager with the airline told AFP. The new government is in the final stages of formation and the names are expected to be announced very soon as the top leaders have arrived in Kabul. Take a look | Who is Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar that can lead new Afghanistan government? Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15 and gave the US and other countries time till August 31 to evacuate their citizens and withdraw troops from the nation. Since the beginning of September, the Taliban has been planning to launch a new government. Meanwhile, the Taliban has been working on reinstating normalcy in Afghanistan since the US troops left. There have also been reports of women and university students in Herat protesting to ensure the preservation of achievements in the past 20 years. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work Afghanistan's Tolo News reported the women appealed to the international community not to forget them as they took to the streets with placards. There were at least 50 women involved in the protests reports said as the Taliban begins final preparation to form the government. Women protesters chanted "right to have education, work and security" while taking out demonstrations on the street.

Afghan domestic flights to resume Friday in a bid to restore normalcy

Amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of Civil Aviation on Sunday extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021, said a circular by the office of DGCA<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dgca" target="_blank">.</a>

<meta charset="utf-8" />

However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis.

This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA, the circular further said.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060">Also read |&nbsp;US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon</a>

"In a partial modification on a circular dated June 26, 2021, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger service to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 30th September 2021," stated the DGCA<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dgca" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>circular.

"This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dgca" target="_blank">.</a>&nbsp;However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis," further stated the circular.

Earlier, the scheduled international flights were suspended until August 31, said the circular issued by the DGCA on July 30, 2021.

Amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of Civil Aviation on Sunday extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021, said a circular by the office of DGCA.

Amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of Civil Aviation on Sunday extended the suspension on scheduled international commercial passenger flights till September 30, 2021, said a circular by the office of DGCA. However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA, the circular further said. Also read | US killed two 'high profile' ISIS targets in Afghanistan drone strike: Pentagon "In a partial modification on a circular dated June 26, 2021, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger service to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 30th September 2021," stated the DGCA circular. "This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on case to case basis," further stated the circular. Earlier, the scheduled international flights were suspended until August 31, said the circular issued by the DGCA on July 30, 2021.

DGCA extends suspension of international flights till September 30

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.&nbsp;

In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” &nbsp;

On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.”&nbsp;

Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. &nbsp;

Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact.&nbsp;

Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2.&nbsp;

"We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions. In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.” Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact. Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2. "We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet. (With inputs from agencies)

Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7 

The United States on Friday resumed fast-track deportation flights for migrant families that recently arrived at the US-Mexico border, amid a sharp increase in the number of migrants at the southern border. 
 
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement the flights would transport Guatemalan, Honduran and Salvadoran migrant families, who could not be immediately expelled under a coronavirus-related public health policy and did not have a legal basis to stay in the country. 
 
"We are&nbsp;making clear that those who do not qualify to remain in the United States will be promptly removed," the statement said. 
 
Migrant crossings typically taper off in the hot summer months, but arrests at the southern border rose in June to the highest level since April 2000. The tally in July is expected to be similar or even higher, according to two border patrol officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. 
 
Immigration, and particularly the arrival of asylum seekers at the US&nbsp;southern border, has been a hot-button issue for decades. Multiple attempts to reform US&nbsp;laws and create a pathway to citizenship for the millions of immigrants living in the country illegally have failed in Congress.

The United States on Friday resumed fast-track deportation flights for migrant families that recently arrived at the US-Mexico border, amid a sharp increase in the number of migrants at the southern border.

The United States on Friday resumed fast-track deportation flights for migrant families that recently arrived at the US-Mexico border, amid a sharp increase in the number of migrants at the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement the flights would transport Guatemalan, Honduran and Salvadoran migrant families, who could not be immediately expelled under a coronavirus-related public health policy and did not have a legal basis to stay in the country. "We are making clear that those who do not qualify to remain in the United States will be promptly removed," the statement said. Migrant crossings typically taper off in the hot summer months, but arrests at the southern border rose in June to the highest level since April 2000. The tally in July is expected to be similar or even higher, according to two border patrol officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Immigration, and particularly the arrival of asylum seekers at the US southern border, has been a hot-button issue for decades. Multiple attempts to reform US laws and create a pathway to citizenship for the millions of immigrants living in the country illegally have failed in Congress.

US resumes fast-track deportation flights of Central American migrant families

Typhoon In-fa has made landfall in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province on China's east coast on Sunday, state TV reported. It is in the south of Shanghai. The national weather agency has forecasted a rainfall of 250-350 millimetres.&nbsp;

The authorities have&nbsp;cancelled&nbsp;airline flights and trains, while&nbsp;the public&nbsp;has been asked&nbsp;to stay indoors.&nbsp;"People should not willingly go outdoors,"&nbsp;the bureau said.&nbsp;

When it poured rain on Taiwan,&nbsp;the typhoon was packing winds of 155 kph and gusts up to 191 kph.&nbsp;Thankfully, no deaths or injuries were reported.&nbsp;

Several flight cancellations have been done at&nbsp;Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao airports.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;state TV, more flights will get&nbsp;cancelled on Monday.&nbsp;To ensure minimal damage,&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;has&nbsp;closed parks and the riverfront Bund district,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a popular tourist area.&nbsp;

Not just this,&nbsp;Hangzhou international airport, which lies on&nbsp;the southwest of Shanghai, has&nbsp;also cancelled flights.&nbsp;

The state TV&nbsp;said, the&nbsp;train service to Ningbo was suspended.&nbsp;Ningbo is a&nbsp;port city, which is in the south of Shanghai.&nbsp;

Schools, markets and businesses in Zhejiang province have been closed along with&nbsp;Zhoushan Bridge, which&nbsp;connects islands near Ningbo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Typhoon In-fa has made landfall in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province on China's east coast on Sunday, state TV reported. It is in the south of Shanghai. The national weather agency has forecasted a rainfall of 250-350 millimetres.

Typhoon In-fa has made landfall in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province on China's east coast on Sunday, state TV reported. It is in the south of Shanghai. The national weather agency has forecasted a rainfall of 250-350 millimetres. The authorities have cancelled airline flights and trains, while the public has been asked to stay indoors. "People should not willingly go outdoors," the bureau said. When it poured rain on Taiwan, the typhoon was packing winds of 155 kph and gusts up to 191 kph. Thankfully, no deaths or injuries were reported. Several flight cancellations have been done at Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao airports. According to state TV, more flights will get cancelled on Monday. To ensure minimal damage, Shanghai has closed parks and the riverfront Bund district, which is a popular tourist area. Not just this, Hangzhou international airport, which lies on the southwest of Shanghai, has also cancelled flights. The state TV said, the train service to Ningbo was suspended. Ningbo is a port city, which is in the south of Shanghai. Schools, markets and businesses in Zhejiang province have been closed along with Zhoushan Bridge, which connects islands near Ningbo. (With inputs from agencies)

Flights cancelled as China's east coast gets pounded by typhoon In-fa  

Saudi Arabia has suspended flights to three countries, including the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, to protect against a coronavirus variant, the interior ministry said Saturday.

The move comes seven weeks after the oil-rich kingdom permitted fully immunised citizens to travel abroad, after a ban on foreign trips that lasted more than a year.

The UAE, and especially Dubai, is a key leisure destination for Saudis.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-saudi-arabia-to-ease-curfew-on-june-21-except-mecca-301069">Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia to ease curfew on June 21, except Mecca</a>

Flights to and from the UAE, alongside those to Ethiopia and Vietnam, will be suspended from Sunday, an interior ministry official said, quoted by the state news agency SPA.&nbsp;

Saudi citizens and residents returning from these countries will be required to quarantine for 14 days, it added.

Citizens would be banned "from travelling directly or indirectly, without obtaining prior permission from... authorities".

The decision was taken due to "the spread of a new mutated strain of the (COVID-19) virus", it added, without explicitly mentioning the increasingly globally emergent Delta variant.

The variant, first detected in India and now present in at least 85 countries, is the most contagious of any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> variant yet identified.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-rise-in-hospitalisation-amid-delta-variant-spread-394918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UAE announced last week it had recorded cases of the Delta variant and it has suspended flights to and from India.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has put major limits on the annual hajj pilgrimage. It has officially recorded more than 490,000 cases of coronavirus, including nearly 7,850 deaths.

The oil-rich Gulf state is home to a large expat workforce from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia has suspended flights to three countries, including the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, to protect against a coronavirus variant, the interior ministry said Saturday.

Saudi Arabia has suspended flights to three countries, including the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, to protect against a coronavirus variant, the interior ministry said Saturday. The move comes seven weeks after the oil-rich kingdom permitted fully immunised citizens to travel abroad, after a ban on foreign trips that lasted more than a year. The UAE, and especially Dubai, is a key leisure destination for Saudis. Also read | Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia to ease curfew on June 21, except Mecca Flights to and from the UAE, alongside those to Ethiopia and Vietnam, will be suspended from Sunday, an interior ministry official said, quoted by the state news agency SPA. Saudi citizens and residents returning from these countries will be required to quarantine for 14 days, it added. Citizens would be banned "from travelling directly or indirectly, without obtaining prior permission from... authorities". The decision was taken due to "the spread of a new mutated strain of the (COVID-19) virus", it added, without explicitly mentioning the increasingly globally emergent Delta variant. The variant, first detected in India and now present in at least 85 countries, is the most contagious of any COVID-19 variant yet identified. The UAE announced last week it had recorded cases of the Delta variant and it has suspended flights to and from India. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has put major limits on the annual hajj pilgrimage. It has officially recorded more than 490,000 cases of coronavirus, including nearly 7,850 deaths. The oil-rich Gulf state is home to a large expat workforce from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Saudi suspends UAE flights due to virus variant

The United States on Tuesday banned ticket sales for air travel to and from Belarus, acting after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land and arrested a dissident journalist aboard. 
 
The order is Washington's latest response to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's harsh crackdown against months of pro-democracy protests over his alleged rigging of an August 2020 election. The longtime ruler denies election fraud. 
 
The United States and the European Union have refused to recognise his victory and imposed sanctions against top Belarusian officials and other targets. 
 
In issuing the ban, the US&nbsp;Transportation Department said the State Department had determined that limiting travel between the United States and Belarus was in Washington's foreign policy interest following the diversion of the Ryanair flight. 
 
The order still would permit "the operation of any transportation deemed to be in the national interest of the United States, including on humanitarian or national security grounds," according to the text. 
 
It said the order would extend to 'interline' travel in which tickets are purchased through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines. 
 
The directive, under consideration for several weeks, is mostly symbolic since relatively few tickets are purchased for travel to Belarus from US-based travel services. 
 
It is open for public comment until July 1. 
 
After the May 23 forced landing of the Ryanair flight en route from Athens to Vilnius, the US&nbsp;government advised passenger airlines to use extreme caution when flying over Belarus. At the time, the United States stopped short of imposing any restrictions. 
 
The 'Notice to Airmen' does not apply to cargo carriers, such as United Parcel Service and Fedex Corp that fly over Belarus. 
 
United Airlines flies a route to India that sometimes is routed near Belarus, but no other US&nbsp;passenger carrier typically flies through the former Soviet republic's airspace.

The United States on Tuesday banned ticket sales for air travel to and from Belarus, acting after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land and arrested a dissident journalist aboard.

The United States on Tuesday banned ticket sales for air travel to and from Belarus, acting after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land and arrested a dissident journalist aboard. The order is Washington's latest response to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's harsh crackdown against months of pro-democracy protests over his alleged rigging of an August 2020 election. The longtime ruler denies election fraud. The United States and the European Union have refused to recognise his victory and imposed sanctions against top Belarusian officials and other targets. In issuing the ban, the US Transportation Department said the State Department had determined that limiting travel between the United States and Belarus was in Washington's foreign policy interest following the diversion of the Ryanair flight. The order still would permit "the operation of any transportation deemed to be in the national interest of the United States, including on humanitarian or national security grounds," according to the text. It said the order would extend to 'interline' travel in which tickets are purchased through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines. The directive, under consideration for several weeks, is mostly symbolic since relatively few tickets are purchased for travel to Belarus from US-based travel services. It is open for public comment until July 1. After the May 23 forced landing of the Ryanair flight en route from Athens to Vilnius, the US government advised passenger airlines to use extreme caution when flying over Belarus. At the time, the United States stopped short of imposing any restrictions. The 'Notice to Airmen' does not apply to cargo carriers, such as United Parcel Service and Fedex Corp that fly over Belarus. United Airlines flies a route to India that sometimes is routed near Belarus, but no other US passenger carrier typically flies through the former Soviet republic's airspace.

US bans ticket sales for passenger flights to Belarus

New Zealand health officials cleared the way for quarantine-free flights to resume to Sydney Sunday as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales eased.&nbsp;

Flights were suspended on Thursday after two people in Sydney tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world">New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world</a>

It was the third disruption since the quarantine-free travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia opened on April 18, almost 400 days after both closed their international borders due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

The earlier stoppages to flights to and from Western Australia lasted only a few days and the current travel pause with New South Wales would end at midnight Sunday.&nbsp;

"The current assessment from New Zealand public health officials is that the risk to New Zealand from New South Wales remains low," the health ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights">US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights</a>

"There is no evidence to suggest widespread, undetected community transmission."&nbsp;

New South Wales health officials said that despite extensive investigations they had not identified how the latest cases became infected although they believe there was "contact with a currently unidentified person who was infectious in the community."

The trans-Tasman travel bubble between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand health officials cleared the way for quarantine-free flights to resume to Sydney Sunday as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales eased. Flights were suspended on Thursday after two people in Sydney tested positive for the virus.

New Zealand health officials cleared the way for quarantine-free flights to resume to Sydney Sunday as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales eased. Flights were suspended on Thursday after two people in Sydney tested positive for the virus. Also read | New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world It was the third disruption since the quarantine-free travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia opened on April 18, almost 400 days after both closed their international borders due to the pandemic. The earlier stoppages to flights to and from Western Australia lasted only a few days and the current travel pause with New South Wales would end at midnight Sunday. "The current assessment from New Zealand public health officials is that the risk to New Zealand from New South Wales remains low," the health ministry said in a statement. Also read | US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights "There is no evidence to suggest widespread, undetected community transmission." New South Wales health officials said that despite extensive investigations they had not identified how the latest cases became infected although they believe there was "contact with a currently unidentified person who was infectious in the community." The trans-Tasman travel bubble between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand to resume Sydney flights as Covid scare eases

US Air Force flights that were scheduled to leave for India with essential life-saving supplies have been delayed till Wednesday due to maintenance issues, the Pentagon said on Monday.&nbsp;

"We just received word from USTRANSCOM that the flights for India are delayed until at least Wednesday due to maintenance issues", a Pentagon spokesperson said. &nbsp;

So far, only two US Air Force flights have landed in India.&nbsp;

Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster were scheduled to leave for India on Monday to deliver critical supplies amid a surge in coronavirus cases there. &nbsp;

Officials, however, did not say how this would impact the emergency aid supplies to India, in particular life-saving oxygen cylinders and concentrators.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters that the US will continue to fly its planes with healthcare supplies for India, which has faced one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the world.&nbsp;

Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster are continuing to deliver critical healthcare supplies to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19, the Pentagon said. &nbsp;

"We continue to assist the government and the people of India as they continue to struggle with their Covid outbreak," Kirby said. &nbsp;

US Transportation Command and its components continue to demonstrate their capability to provide immediate assistance to a partner nation, he said.&nbsp;

The United States will continue to assess the situation, he said. &nbsp;

"We'll stay in touch with our counterparts in India, should there be a need for additional help. The (defence) secretary was very clear in speaking to his counterpart in India that we'll continue to do whatever we can to help," Kirby said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Senator Amy Klobuchar said the tragic crisis in India is a reminder that "we can only beat COVID-19 if we beat it everywhere". &nbsp;

The United States, she said, "is stepping up and providing relief and aid to our ally in this time of tremendous and heart-breaking need".&nbsp;

Congressman Alan Lowenthal said the Biden Administration has taken early positive steps but the scale of the tragedy in India is simply unbearable. &nbsp;

"We must do more to facilitate access to vaccines. We have a duty to save lives and to reduce the risk of terrifying new variants," he said.&nbsp;

"The Covid crisis in India is heartbreaking and could have huge implications for the rest of the world. The fight against this pandemic is a global one and we must do our part to help combat this surge and save lives," Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton said in a tweet. &nbsp;

"India is in crisis. President Biden's decision to send supplies and vaccine doses to India is a necessary one. But we must also eliminate vaccine patents and work to expand vaccine production and availability globally. We must work to save lives everywhere," Congresswoman Cori Bush tweeted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US Air Force flights that were scheduled to leave for India with essential life-saving supplies have been delayed till Wednesday due to maintenance issues, the Pentagon said on Monday.

US Air Force flights that were scheduled to leave for India with essential life-saving supplies have been delayed till Wednesday due to maintenance issues, the Pentagon said on Monday. "We just received word from USTRANSCOM that the flights for India are delayed until at least Wednesday due to maintenance issues", a Pentagon spokesperson said. So far, only two US Air Force flights have landed in India. Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster were scheduled to leave for India on Monday to deliver critical supplies amid a surge in coronavirus cases there. Officials, however, did not say how this would impact the emergency aid supplies to India, in particular life-saving oxygen cylinders and concentrators. Earlier in the day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters that the US will continue to fly its planes with healthcare supplies for India, which has faced one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the world. Three US Air Force C-5 Super Galaxies and one C-17 Globemaster are continuing to deliver critical healthcare supplies to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19, the Pentagon said. "We continue to assist the government and the people of India as they continue to struggle with their Covid outbreak," Kirby said. US Transportation Command and its components continue to demonstrate their capability to provide immediate assistance to a partner nation, he said. The United States will continue to assess the situation, he said. "We'll stay in touch with our counterparts in India, should there be a need for additional help. The (defence) secretary was very clear in speaking to his counterpart in India that we'll continue to do whatever we can to help," Kirby said. Meanwhile, Senator Amy Klobuchar said the tragic crisis in India is a reminder that "we can only beat COVID-19 if we beat it everywhere". The United States, she said, "is stepping up and providing relief and aid to our ally in this time of tremendous and heart-breaking need". Congressman Alan Lowenthal said the Biden Administration has taken early positive steps but the scale of the tragedy in India is simply unbearable. "We must do more to facilitate access to vaccines. We have a duty to save lives and to reduce the risk of terrifying new variants," he said. "The Covid crisis in India is heartbreaking and could have huge implications for the rest of the world. The fight against this pandemic is a global one and we must do our part to help combat this surge and save lives," Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton said in a tweet. "India is in crisis. President Biden's decision to send supplies and vaccine doses to India is a necessary one. But we must also eliminate vaccine patents and work to expand vaccine production and availability globally. We must work to save lives everywhere," Congresswoman Cori Bush tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid: US flights with medical supplies for India delayed till Wednesday  

French parliament has voted to cut domestic flight routes where the same destination can be reached by train in under 2.5 hours, in order to reduce carbon emissions. 
 
The measure, approved by MPs over the weekend, is part of a wide-ranging package of measures to fight climate change backed by President Emmanuel Macron. 
 
The bill, which now goes before the Senate before a final vote in parliament, calls for routes between Paris and Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux to be abandoned, except for corresponding flights. 
 
The move falls short of demands by a citizens' climate convention set up by Macron, which had called for flights to be banned if trains could cover the same distance in under four hours. 
 
The government already told Air France it had to cut short-haul flights in return for a public aid package to help it weather a downturn caused by Covid restrictions. 
 
The draft law means that competitors cannot lay a claim to those routes either. 
 
The bill ran into fierce resistance from MPs from southwestern France, home to the Airbus aircraft maker and many of its sub-contractors. 
 
Joel Aviragnet, a Socialist lawmaker from the Haute-Garonne region, said the law would lead to job losses and a "disproportionate human cost". 
 
His party colleague David Habib said the law would lead to "negative growth" and "unemployment". 
 
But some parliamentarians said the ban did not go far enough, with left-winger Daniele Obono saying that a stricter law could rid the country of some of the most polluting flight routes, such as those between Paris and Nice, Toulouse and Marseille. 
 
According to the draft law, the government will be able to cut further routes by decree. 
 
It also calls for a carbon-offset tax on domestic routes.

French parliament has voted to cut domestic flight routes where the same destination can be reached by train in under 2.5 hours, in order to reduce carbon emissions.

French parliament has voted to cut domestic flight routes where the same destination can be reached by train in under 2.5 hours, in order to reduce carbon emissions. The measure, approved by MPs over the weekend, is part of a wide-ranging package of measures to fight climate change backed by President Emmanuel Macron. The bill, which now goes before the Senate before a final vote in parliament, calls for routes between Paris and Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux to be abandoned, except for corresponding flights. The move falls short of demands by a citizens' climate convention set up by Macron, which had called for flights to be banned if trains could cover the same distance in under four hours. The government already told Air France it had to cut short-haul flights in return for a public aid package to help it weather a downturn caused by Covid restrictions. The draft law means that competitors cannot lay a claim to those routes either. The bill ran into fierce resistance from MPs from southwestern France, home to the Airbus aircraft maker and many of its sub-contractors. Joel Aviragnet, a Socialist lawmaker from the Haute-Garonne region, said the law would lead to job losses and a "disproportionate human cost". His party colleague David Habib said the law would lead to "negative growth" and "unemployment". But some parliamentarians said the ban did not go far enough, with left-winger Daniele Obono saying that a stricter law could rid the country of some of the most polluting flight routes, such as those between Paris and Nice, Toulouse and Marseille. According to the draft law, the government will be able to cut further routes by decree. It also calls for a carbon-offset tax on domestic routes.

Take the train: French parliament backs cuts in domestic flight routes in climate change fight

More than half of the world's airline pilots are no longer flying for a living amid the plunge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey, and those that are still flying feel less valued by their employers.

A poll of nearly 2,600 pilots by UK-based GOOSE Recruitment and industry publication FlightGlobal, released on Thursday, found only 43% were doing the job they had trained for, with 30% unemployed, 17% furloughed and 10% in non-flying roles.

Many pilots that are still flying have faced deteriorating working conditions. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, for example, instituted permanent pay cuts of up to 58%, and Turkish Airways and Singapore Airlines Ltd have temporarily lowering salaries.

"We can see the effect the pandemic has had on employed pilots too," GOOSE Recruitment chief executive officer and founder Mark Charman said in a statement. "Large numbers are feeling insecure about their jobs, an increased number are planning to look for new roles this year as well as many feeling less valued by their employers."

For the unemployed pilots in the survey, 84% said it was due to the pandemic. Before COVID-19 hit, there had been widespread pilot shortages that had driven up demand for aviators and led to improving pay and conditions.

Now, 82% of unemployed pilots would take a pay cut for a new opportunity, the survey found.

For those that have kept their jobs, pilots in Europe reported being the most stressed by COVID-19, with respondents citing the risk of catching the virus, disjointed rules and the possibility of being placed in quarantine during a rotation as among their concerns.

Forty per cent of pilots said their mental health had been affected by the pandemic, with the figure higher among younger pilots.

"The amount of stress and anxiety the pandemic has caused me has permanently scarred my outlook on life," one surveyed pilot said.

More than half of the world's airline pilots are no longer flying for a living amid the plunge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey, and those that are still flying feel less valued by their employers.

More than half of the world's airline pilots are no longer flying for a living amid the plunge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey, and those that are still flying feel less valued by their employers. A poll of nearly 2,600 pilots by UK-based GOOSE Recruitment and industry publication FlightGlobal, released on Thursday, found only 43% were doing the job they had trained for, with 30% unemployed, 17% furloughed and 10% in non-flying roles. Many pilots that are still flying have faced deteriorating working conditions. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, for example, instituted permanent pay cuts of up to 58%, and Turkish Airways and Singapore Airlines Ltd have temporarily lowering salaries. "We can see the effect the pandemic has had on employed pilots too," GOOSE Recruitment chief executive officer and founder Mark Charman said in a statement. "Large numbers are feeling insecure about their jobs, an increased number are planning to look for new roles this year as well as many feeling less valued by their employers." For the unemployed pilots in the survey, 84% said it was due to the pandemic. Before COVID-19 hit, there had been widespread pilot shortages that had driven up demand for aviators and led to improving pay and conditions. Now, 82% of unemployed pilots would take a pay cut for a new opportunity, the survey found. For those that have kept their jobs, pilots in Europe reported being the most stressed by COVID-19, with respondents citing the risk of catching the virus, disjointed rules and the possibility of being placed in quarantine during a rotation as among their concerns. Forty per cent of pilots said their mental health had been affected by the pandemic, with the figure higher among younger pilots. "The amount of stress and anxiety the pandemic has caused me has permanently scarred my outlook on life," one surveyed pilot said.

More than half of the world’s airline pilots no longer flying, finds survey

The United States and China will allow air carriers to double the number of flights to eight per week, according to the US Transportation Department’s statement on Tuesday.

The world’s two biggest economies had stopped flights and then slowly restarted operation due to the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, but continues to batter the globe, with US being the hardest-hit country in the world.

Doubling allowed

According to the US, the country will allow four Chinese passenger airlines to double flights to eight round trips per week. This comes in after China allowed US carriers to double the number of flights to China.

After coronavirus pandemic spread globally, US carriers stopped flights to China. On January 31, President Donald Trump had barred all all non-US citizens from flying in from China to the US.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-evacuates-100000-as-floods-threaten-heritage-site-321644" hreflang="en">China evacuates 100,000 as floods threaten heritage site</a>

Starting September 4, United Airlines will increase flights to Chine to four per week from San Francisco to Shanghai. The US department added that Delta Air Lines is also eligible to double its fleet going to China.

Delta had earlier announced that it would operate flights from Seattle and Detroit to Shanghai starting July, via Seoul. On August 18, Delta announced that this would begin from August 24.

Bilateral agreement

As part of their bilateral aviation agreement, the US is hoping that China would restore full US flights. The US Transportation Department added that as China allows more flights to come into the country, so will it.

The agreement between the world’s two largest economies allows operation of more than 100 weekly flights.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-unveils-sky-thunder-missile-system-amid-tensions-in-south-china-sea-321543" hreflang="en">China unveils Sky Thunder missile system amid tensions in South China Sea</a>

After China did not agree restore US flights in June, the US had threatened to bar all Chinese passenger flights.

The Trump administration in May announced thatAir China, China Eastern Airlines Corp, China Southern Airlines Co, Hainan Airlines Holding Co, and their subsidiaries will be required to file schedules.

In June, Reuters had reported that Chinese authorities had agreed to making changes in the policies that allow the operation of flights.

One such move was to conduct temperature checks before taking off instead of while the flight was in transit.

The United States and China will allow air carriers to double the number of flights to eight per week, according to the US Transportation Department’s statement on Tuesday.

The United States and China will allow air carriers to double the number of flights to eight per week, according to the US Transportation Department’s statement on Tuesday. The world’s two biggest economies had stopped flights and then slowly restarted operation due to the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, but continues to batter the globe, with US being the hardest-hit country in the world. Doubling allowed According to the US, the country will allow four Chinese passenger airlines to double flights to eight round trips per week. This comes in after China allowed US carriers to double the number of flights to China. After coronavirus pandemic spread globally, US carriers stopped flights to China. On January 31, President Donald Trump had barred all all non-US citizens from flying in from China to the US. Also read: China evacuates 100,000 as floods threaten heritage site Starting September 4, United Airlines will increase flights to Chine to four per week from San Francisco to Shanghai. The US department added that Delta Air Lines is also eligible to double its fleet going to China. Delta had earlier announced that it would operate flights from Seattle and Detroit to Shanghai starting July, via Seoul. On August 18, Delta announced that this would begin from August 24. Bilateral agreement As part of their bilateral aviation agreement, the US is hoping that China would restore full US flights. The US Transportation Department added that as China allows more flights to come into the country, so will it. The agreement between the world’s two largest economies allows operation of more than 100 weekly flights. Also read: China unveils Sky Thunder missile system amid tensions in South China Sea After China did not agree restore US flights in June, the US had threatened to bar all Chinese passenger flights. The Trump administration in May announced thatAir China, China Eastern Airlines Corp, China Southern Airlines Co, Hainan Airlines Holding Co, and their subsidiaries will be required to file schedules. In June, Reuters had reported that Chinese authorities had agreed to making changes in the policies that allow the operation of flights. One such move was to conduct temperature checks before taking off instead of while the flight was in transit.

China, US to double number of flights: US Transportation Department

The future of top regional budget carrier AirAsia is in "significant doubt" after the collapse in travel demand caused by coronavirus, its auditor warned, sending the airline's share price tumbling nearly 18 percent on Wednesday.

The aviation industry is facing its biggest-ever crisis due to the pandemic, with airlines worldwide going out of business or laying off huge numbers of staff to stay afloat.&nbsp;

AirAsia, led by colourful chief executive Tony Fernandes, pioneered low-cost air travel across Asia in the early 2000s at a time of growing demand from a fast-emerging middle class.&nbsp;

But on Monday the debt-laden Malaysian airline reported a record quarterly loss of 803 million ringgit ($187 million) for the first three months of the year, after being forced to ground its fleet due to the virus.&nbsp;

Auditor Ernst &amp; Young said Tuesday that global travel restrictions had dented AirAsia's financial performance, with liabilities exceeding assets by 1.84 billion ringgit.&nbsp;

It noted the "existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on... the company's ability to continue as a going concern", in an unqualified audit opinion statement to the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange.

AirAsia, which flies to over 150 destinations, was already facing stiff competition from other low-cost carriers before the outbreak, and had reported a net loss of 283 million ringgit in 2019.&nbsp;

But the auditor also said AirAsia had "seen positive developments on its business operations" with the gradual lifting of travel restrictions in some countries.&nbsp;

- 'Toughest challenge' - 
AirAsia's shares crashed after the end of a morning trading halt and finished down 17.5 percent at 0.71 ringgit.

Even before Monday's dire results, the airline was already reported to have plans to slash hundreds of staff in response to the pandemic.

Fernandes said the coronavirus was "by far the toughest challenge" AirAsia had ever faced.

But he also sought to strike a positive note.&nbsp;

"Every crisis is an obstacle to overcome, and we have restructured the group into a leaner and tighter ship," he said.

Demand had rebounded since operations resumed in late April, while the airline had also applied for bank loans to shore up liquidity and entered talks on new investments, he said.

But there were "serious risks to AirAsia if the current crisis doesn't end soon, or if the airline doesn't get a cash injection," said Endau Analytics aviation consultant Shukor Yusof.

He said Malaysia's government would be reluctant to bail out a private company but would be forced to "consider the political ramifications of potential job losses if AirAsia is forced to shrink".

The company is just recovering from a crisis it faced earlier this year when Fernandes stepped aside as authorities probed unusual payments at the airline, as part of a $4 billion graft scandal involving European planemaker Airbus.

He returned to his post in March after being cleared by an independent investigation.

The flamboyant Fernandes has carved an image for himself as Asia's answer to Richard Branson, shaking up Southeast Asian air travel with his carrier's slogan "Now everyone can fly".

He has not been shy in flaunting his wealth, and is the co-owner of London football club Queens Park Rangers.

The future of top regional budget carrier AirAsia is in "significant doubt" after the collapse in travel demand caused by coronavirus, its auditor warned, sending the airline's share price tumbling nearly 18 percent on Wednesday.

The future of top regional budget carrier AirAsia is in "significant doubt" after the collapse in travel demand caused by coronavirus, its auditor warned, sending the airline's share price tumbling nearly 18 percent on Wednesday. The aviation industry is facing its biggest-ever crisis due to the pandemic, with airlines worldwide going out of business or laying off huge numbers of staff to stay afloat. AirAsia, led by colourful chief executive Tony Fernandes, pioneered low-cost air travel across Asia in the early 2000s at a time of growing demand from a fast-emerging middle class. But on Monday the debt-laden Malaysian airline reported a record quarterly loss of 803 million ringgit ($187 million) for the first three months of the year, after being forced to ground its fleet due to the virus. Auditor Ernst & Young said Tuesday that global travel restrictions had dented AirAsia's financial performance, with liabilities exceeding assets by 1.84 billion ringgit. It noted the "existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on... the company's ability to continue as a going concern", in an unqualified audit opinion statement to the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange. AirAsia, which flies to over 150 destinations, was already facing stiff competition from other low-cost carriers before the outbreak, and had reported a net loss of 283 million ringgit in 2019. But the auditor also said AirAsia had "seen positive developments on its business operations" with the gradual lifting of travel restrictions in some countries. - 'Toughest challenge' - AirAsia's shares crashed after the end of a morning trading halt and finished down 17.5 percent at 0.71 ringgit. Even before Monday's dire results, the airline was already reported to have plans to slash hundreds of staff in response to the pandemic. Fernandes said the coronavirus was "by far the toughest challenge" AirAsia had ever faced. But he also sought to strike a positive note. "Every crisis is an obstacle to overcome, and we have restructured the group into a leaner and tighter ship," he said. Demand had rebounded since operations resumed in late April, while the airline had also applied for bank loans to shore up liquidity and entered talks on new investments, he said. But there were "serious risks to AirAsia if the current crisis doesn't end soon, or if the airline doesn't get a cash injection," said Endau Analytics aviation consultant Shukor Yusof. He said Malaysia's government would be reluctant to bail out a private company but would be forced to "consider the political ramifications of potential job losses if AirAsia is forced to shrink". The company is just recovering from a crisis it faced earlier this year when Fernandes stepped aside as authorities probed unusual payments at the airline, as part of a $4 billion graft scandal involving European planemaker Airbus. He returned to his post in March after being cleared by an independent investigation. The flamboyant Fernandes has carved an image for himself as Asia's answer to Richard Branson, shaking up Southeast Asian air travel with his carrier's slogan "Now everyone can fly". He has not been shy in flaunting his wealth, and is the co-owner of London football club Queens Park Rangers.

AirAsia's future in doubt due to virus; share price tumbles

Emirates, one of the world's biggest long-haul airlines, laid off more pilots and cabin crew on Tuesday as it manages a cash crunch caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, and plans thousands of additional job cuts, five company sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-economy-to-return-to-pre-crisis-levels-only-in-2022-central-bank-304593" hreflang="en">French economy to return to pre-crisis levels only in 2022: Central bank</a>

Aviation is one of the industries worst hit by the outbreak, with airlines forced to lay off staff and seek government bailouts.

More redundancies were expected at Emirates this week including both Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 pilots, the sources said on the condition of anonymity.

The workforce of 4,300 pilots and nearly 22,000 cabin crew could shrink by almost a third from its pre-coronavirus levels, three of the sources said.

Without giving further details, an airline spokeswoman told Reuters some employees had been laid off.

"Given the significant impact that the pandemic has had on our business, we simply cannot sustain excess resources and have to right size our workforce in line with our reduced operations," she said.

A promise by the Dubai government to provide Emirates with new equity would allow it to "preserve its skilled workforce," the state airline said on May 10.

It has since laid off employees, which sources previously told Reuters were trainee pilots and cabin crew.

Outgoing President Tim Clark has said it could take four years for the airline to resume flying to all of the 157 international destinations it served before the pandemic. It has a fleet of 270 A380 and 777 jets.

The airline has operated limited, mostly outbound services from the United Arab Emirates since grounding passenger flights in March but is due to restart some connecting flights after the UAE last week lifted a suspension.

Emirates has also extended pay cuts until September, and in some cases deepened the reduction to 50%, according to an internal email on Sunday.

Emirates, one of the world's biggest long-haul airlines, laid off more pilots and cabin crew on Tuesday as it manages a cash crunch caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, and plans thousands of additional job cuts, five company sources said.

Emirates, one of the world's biggest long-haul airlines, laid off more pilots and cabin crew on Tuesday as it manages a cash crunch caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, and plans thousands of additional job cuts, five company sources said. Also read: French economy to return to pre-crisis levels only in 2022: Central bank Aviation is one of the industries worst hit by the outbreak, with airlines forced to lay off staff and seek government bailouts. More redundancies were expected at Emirates this week including both Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 pilots, the sources said on the condition of anonymity. The workforce of 4,300 pilots and nearly 22,000 cabin crew could shrink by almost a third from its pre-coronavirus levels, three of the sources said. Without giving further details, an airline spokeswoman told Reuters some employees had been laid off. "Given the significant impact that the pandemic has had on our business, we simply cannot sustain excess resources and have to right size our workforce in line with our reduced operations," she said. A promise by the Dubai government to provide Emirates with new equity would allow it to "preserve its skilled workforce," the state airline said on May 10. It has since laid off employees, which sources previously told Reuters were trainee pilots and cabin crew. Outgoing President Tim Clark has said it could take four years for the airline to resume flying to all of the 157 international destinations it served before the pandemic. It has a fleet of 270 A380 and 777 jets. The airline has operated limited, mostly outbound services from the United Arab Emirates since grounding passenger flights in March but is due to restart some connecting flights after the UAE last week lifted a suspension. Emirates has also extended pay cuts until September, and in some cases deepened the reduction to 50%, according to an internal email on Sunday.

Emirates lays off pilots, cabin crew, plans thousands more job cuts: Sources

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months.&nbsp;A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights.

Bearing a “special category” ticket, the boy met his mother after three months at the Kempegowda International Airport, ANI reported.

Flights resumed operation today after two months owing to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to wreak havoc across the country.

"My five-year-old son Vihaan has travelled alone from Delhi, he has come back to Bengaluru after three months," his mother told ANI, holding Vihaan, donning protective gear.

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7e6f496-5ca9-49ae-aa0a-f28700b07f53" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_0.jpg" />

The last flights plied in the end of March, after which the country was put under a strict lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, this rendered many unable to go back to their homes, just like the young boy.

Many states were reluctant to reopen airports, especially in light of the record-breaking new cases everyday across the country, especially in the hard hit states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi.

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Karnataka:Passengers leave from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as two flights have landed till now at the airport. A mother who came to receive her son says,"My 5-yr-old son Vihaan Sharma has travelled alone from Delhi,he has come back to Bengaluru after 3 months" <a href="https://t.co/oAOsLCi7v9">pic.twitter.com/oAOsLCi7v9</a>
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The Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the flights restarted operating after a long of “hard negotiations” owing to disagreements from many states that feared a rise in the number of infections.

International flights could start plying as early as June, depending on the global condition of coronavirus.

However, people are required to follow strict protocols that include wearing protective gear to maintaining social distance to prevent cross-transmission of the virus.

"Today morning onwards, processes have been working very well. All processes have been made contactless. We are screening all passengers. All the surfaces are being sanitised every 20-30 minutes",&nbsp;Hari Marar, Managing Director &amp; CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd told ANI.

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months. A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights.

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months. A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights. Bearing a “special category” ticket, the boy met his mother after three months at the Kempegowda International Airport, ANI reported. Flights resumed operation today after two months owing to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to wreak havoc across the country. "My five-year-old son Vihaan has travelled alone from Delhi, he has come back to Bengaluru after three months," his mother told ANI, holding Vihaan, donning protective gear. The last flights plied in the end of March, after which the country was put under a strict lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, this rendered many unable to go back to their homes, just like the young boy. Many states were reluctant to reopen airports, especially in light of the record-breaking new cases everyday across the country, especially in the hard hit states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi. Karnataka:Passengers leave from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as two flights have landed till now at the airport. A mother who came to receive her son says,"My 5-yr-old son Vihaan Sharma has travelled alone from Delhi,he has come back to Bengaluru after 3 months" pic.twitter.com/oAOsLCi7v9 — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2020 × The Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the flights restarted operating after a long of “hard negotiations” owing to disagreements from many states that feared a rise in the number of infections. International flights could start plying as early as June, depending on the global condition of coronavirus. However, people are required to follow strict protocols that include wearing protective gear to maintaining social distance to prevent cross-transmission of the virus. "Today morning onwards, processes have been working very well. All processes have been made contactless. We are screening all passengers. All the surfaces are being sanitised every 20-30 minutes", Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd told ANI.

As flights restart operation, 5 year-old-boy flies alone to meet his mother after three months

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