BEIJING: China will suspend direct flights to and from Britain indefinitely over fears of a new strain of the coronavirus, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday. "After much consideration, China has decided to take reference from other countries and suspend flights to and from UK," Wang told reporters at a daily briefing. There are currently eight weekly flights between mainland China and Britain, according to aviation data provider Variflight, including one each by Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. China barred non-Chinese travellers from Britain last month, including those with valid visas and residence permits, because of rising coronavirus cases. Another China visa centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been closed since March.

Source: Mint December 25, 2020 03:00 UTC