Australia Suspends Direct Flights From India Till May 15

After the US, UK, Kuwait, France, Hongkong, UAE, and Canada, Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison is the latest to announce a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India on Tuesday. The development comes after India continues to report more than 3 lakhs of covid cases on a daily basis.

Amid noted Aussie cricketers and many Australians stranded in India, Mr Morrison said the suspension would stay intact until May 15 due to “clearly present” risks of travel from India, taking a tougher line on international travel bans. He added that his government will take border arrangements very seriously and travel restrictions are absolutely indispensable to preserve Australians freedom.

The Prime Minister is also said to be organizing an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet to consider increased restrictions on international travel. India has recorded 3.2 lakh new cases today, shooting a sharp rise in the total number of cases.

On the other hand, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed that they have considered sending dwindling resources like oxygen and ventilators to India in order to help India escape the unprecedented crisis. “India is literally gasping for oxygen,” Mr Hunt stated.