British Airways halts Hong Kong flights over quarantine.
British Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Hong Kong after a crew member reportedly tested positive for Covid-19, resulting in the whole crew having to isolate at a quarantine centre made up of shipping containers.
Hong Kong classifies many destinations including the United States and the United Kingdom as “high-risk” and is pursuing a zero-Covid policy.
The country has some of the strictest Covid rules in the world, with close contact of a positive case having to quarantine at a government facility even if they are fully vaccinated and continue to test negative.
As a result, BA has decided to suspend flights rather than risk having any more of its pilots and flight attendants stranded in the territory.
“We’re supporting crew who are currently isolating in Hong Kong. We work within local regulations for every country we fly to and always put the safety and wellbeing of our teams and customers at the heart of everything we do,” a British Airways spokesperson said.
“We have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend flights to Hong Kong while we review operational requirements for this route.”
The announcement comes as countries have tightened international travel rules around the world after the discovery of the new Covid Omicron variant in certain countries, including Hong Kong and the UK.
The airline has apologised to customers whose travel plans have been disrupted, adding it would inform them of their options.
No indication was given by the British flag carrier on how long the route will remain suspended for.
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