Hong Kong bans Air India flights for 14 days after passengers allegedly test Covid+

According to a Times of India report, Air India had to cancel its Hong Kong flight on Monday after it was informed about certain restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. The return flight from Hong Kong to India wasn't operated as well, the report added.

However, an Air India official told TOI that they are yet to know the reasons for these restrictions.

Due to the sudden ban on Air India flights for the next 14 days, thousands of Hong Kong bound passengers have been hit and are forced to reschedule their plans.

Responding to a passenger's post, Air India wrote on its Twitter handle: "Due to restrictions imposed by Hong Kong Authorities, AI 310/315, Delhi - Hong Kong - Delhi of 18th August 2020 stands postponed. Next update in this regard will be intimated soon. Passengers may please contact Air India Customer Care for assistance.

According to the rules set by the Hong Kong government in July, passengers from India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa and the United States have to produce Covid-19 negative certificates from a test done 72 hours prior to the flight. Further, all international passengers are required to take a post-flight Covid-19 test at the Hong Kong Airport.

Scheduled international flights continue to remain suspended in India since May 23. However, special international flights have been operating with the approval of aviation regulator DGCA.

From May 6, Air India has been operating special international flights to help stranded people reach their destinations.

Since July, India has signed separate bilateral air bubble agreements with countries like the USA, Germany, France, the UAE, the UK and the Maldives for international flight operations.