West Bengal Suspends All Direct Flights From UK Starting Jan 03

The Govt of West Bengal announced on Thursday that it will suspend all direct flights from the United Kingdom to Kolkata starting from 03rd January 2022 till further order.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the rise in cases of Omicron variant of Coronavirus across the country.

West Bengal government in communication to Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation informed regarding state government’s decision of suspending flights from the UK.

“In view of the rising number of Omicron cases globally as well within the country, the state government has decided to temporarily and until further orders suspend all direct flights from the United Kingdom to Kolkata with effect from January 3, 2022.”

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As per directives of State Govt, all direct flights from United Kingdom to Kolkata has been temporarily suspended and until further orders with effect from 3rd January 2022. (1/3)#TravelAlert #Omicron @HomeBengal @wbdhfw @AAI_Official @MoCA_GoI @MoHFW_INDIA

— Kolkata Airport (@aaikolairport) December 30, 2021

The communication further added that all international travelers arriving from non-risk countries have to mandatorily pre-book before boarding and undergo Antigen Rapid Test on arrival at their cost.

Moreover, the airline will randomly select 10% of passengers for the RT-PCR test, rest 90% will undergo RAT at the airport. Those found positive in the RAT test will have to further undergo RT-PCR test as may be required by Health Authorities.

C Pattabhi, Director of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, said;

“The Union civil aviation ministry seeks a NOC (no objection certificate) from the respective state governments before allowing any flights to land in the state. Now that the West Bengal government has suspended flights from the UK, the ministry is likely to suspend them too.”