KLM Suspends All Long-Haul Flights Because Of COVID Restrictions
Following the news and updates around the COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines were forced to suspend or reduce their daily operations. We have the latest information from airlines and hotels all around the world. As the second wave of pandemic started hitting Europe we have seen countries introduce some stricter entry requirements. Now, European countries have started to close their borders to arrivals from the UK as a new, stronger, strain of the COVID virus appeared in the country.
European Countries Closing Borders to the UK
The UK government announced new travel restrictions for London and parts of southeast England because of a surge in COVID-19 cases caused by a new strain of the virus on December 18, 2020. The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that Southeast England, which has been hit by the stronger strain of the virus, will be put under Tier 4 lockdown. What this means is all non-essential travel in the area is banned. Both Heathrow and Luton airport fall under the tier 4 category, while Gatwick is still in tier 2, and flights are allowed.
European countries have started to close their borders to all arrivals from the UK. The cause for these measures is a new strain of the COVID virus that appeared in the country. Netherlands was the first European country to close its border for all passenger flights from the UK. Soon other European countries like Belgium, Germany, and France followed with similar announcements. We will likely see more countries announce similar bans on flights and passengers arriving from the UK.
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Countries that announced a ban on UK arrivals
Belgium
Belgium introduced a 24h ban on all arrivals from the UK, which will probably be extended further.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria suspended all flights to and from the UK until January 31, 2021.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic introduced a mandatory 10-day quarantine for all passengers arriving from the UK. However, flights are still allowed.
France
The French government suspended all travel from the UK including flights and trains for 48 hours.
Germany
Germany suspended all flights arriving from the UK on Sunday, December 20, 2020.
Ireland
Ireland announced a ban on all flights and ferries between Ireland and England.
Israel
Israel announced that all Israeli and dual citizenship citizens will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to the country. British citizens are not allowed to board a flight to Israel at the moment.
The Netherlands
Netherlands was the first country to announce a suspension of all flights arriving from the UK.
Romania
Romania banned all flights from the UK for two weeks on Monday, December 21, 2020.