Hong Kong cancels flights from two Indian airlines, know why

Hong Kong has barred flights from two Indian carriers, Air India and Vistara, till October 30. The operations for both the airlines were suspended as both carried passengers, who tested COVID positive on arrival. As per the Hong Kong government regulations, Indian passengers can arrive only if they carry COVID negative test result, and the test should strictly be conducted 72 hours before their arrival in Hong Kong.

The authorities in Hong Kong have been keeping a strict vigil on arrivals from all countries to curtail any possible spread of Coronavirus in the nation. Apart from India, the island nation has made COVID negative test result essential for other countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa and the US. In addition, passengers from all these nations are also required to take a COVID test on arrival at the Hong Kong airport.
This is for the third time that an Indian airline has been barred from flying into Hong Kong. Reportedly, this is for the first time that Vistara has seen such a ban. In contrast, it is the third time for Air India as it flew in COVID positive on previous counts as well.

An Air India spokesperson, while commenting on the same, stated that, “Only passengers with COVID-negative reports are being allowed to board from India (as per the rules of the Hong Kong government). Another mandatory COVID-19 test is being carried out for passengers after landing in Hong Kong, and reports of the same may vary from the reports of tests conducted 72 hours before taking the flight. Hence, Air India cannot be held responsible for any lacunae on the issue of passenger test reports.”
The current ban on both the airlines would be in place till October 30; if you had a flight to Hong Kong via one of these two carriers, it is best to postpone your trip.