Recently, the new Omicron variant has appeared in a number of countries, causing many people to worry. The seriousness of this situation has been further increased when the World Health Organization (WHO) listed this new variant as a "variant of concern". Currently, South Africa, Israel, Hong Kong, Belgium and a number of other European countries have recorded cases of Omicron.
To prevent the spread of Omicron, the UK quickly issued an order to stop all flights from 7 neighboring countries and South Africa since the afternoon of November 26. Accordingly, the US, Canada and many European countries have also restricted entry for countries that have recorded cases of the new variant.
Faced with this news, many tourists had to cut short their vacations in South Africa and hurriedly board the last flights to return home on the afternoon of November 26.
Passengers line up to board an Air France flight to Paris, France, at the international airport in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 26. - Photo: AP
Toby Reid, a 24-year-old businessman living in London (UK), was on vacation with his girlfriend in South Africa when he suddenly received the news. He and his girlfriend went to Johannesburg airport and waited in line for hours. Finally, the couple managed to get the last two seats on the flight on the evening of November 26 to Frankfurt, Germany.
Those who are not lucky will have to discuss other measures at the ticket counter to find a way home, and will also be extremely surprised by the price and the complicated flight itinerary. According to the iNews (UK) website, the price of a plane ticket from South Africa to the UK has increased nearly 3 times, from 416 GBP to 1,296 GBP in just the past 24 hours.
A flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands at Johannesburg airport was delayed for hours after passengers were suddenly asked to present negative Covid-19 test certificates.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the UK has added six African countries to its "red list" - a list of travel restrictions to "be vigilant and protect our borders as best we can". From 4am on November 28, all passengers from Africa to the UK will be required to quarantine.
