Suspending Flights to UK: Govt taking time to decide over new strain fears

Bangladesh will decide on suspending flights to the UK after understanding the situation over the spread of a new strain of the novel coronavirus there, Mohibul Haque, senior secretary of the civil aviation and tourism ministry, said yesterday.

He made the comments after several countries have cancelled flights to the UK in the wake of the new coronavirus outbreak.

Talking to reporters at the secretariat, he said, "We are aware of the situation. We are collecting information. We are yet to make any decision on suspending flight to the UK. Action will be taken after understanding the situation in this regard."

Saudi Arabia suspended all international flights, including to and from Bangladesh, for a week amid reports of the appearance of a new strain of novel coronavirus in the UK.

The suspension casts uncertainty on the return of Bangladeshi expatriate workers to their workplaces in the Gulf country.

Asked what would happen to Saudi-bound Bangladeshi migrant workers amid the flight suspension, Mohibul Haque said, "We have contacts with the Saudi government. Preference will be given to those who were waiting to return to Saudi Arabia after buying tickets. There is nothing to worry about."

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on December 20 warned that the new mutant strain of the coronavirus is "out of control" and suggested parts of England will be stuck in the new highest tier of restrictions until a vaccine is rolled out.