Tourists flee to the airport to leave South Africa.

Recently, a new variant of Omicron has emerged in several countries, causing widespread concern. The seriousness of this situation has been heightened by the World Health Organization (WHO) listing this new variant as a "variant of concern." Currently, South Africa, Israel, Hong Kong, Belgium, and several other European countries have reported cases of Omicron infection.

To prevent the spread of Omicron, the United Kingdom quickly suspended all flights from seven neighboring countries and South Africa starting on the afternoon of November 26th. Following this, the US, Canada, and many European countries also restricted entry for those countries reporting cases of the new variant.

Following this news, many tourists had to cut short their holidays in South Africa and rushed to catch the last flights back home on the afternoon of November 26th.

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Nhiều hành khách xếp hàng để lên chuyến bay của Air France đến thủ đô Paris, Pháp tại sân bay quốc tế ở Johannesburg, Nam Phi ngày 26/11. - Ảnh: AP — Many passengers line up to board an Air France flight to Paris, France, at Johannesburg International Airport, South Africa, on November 26. - Photo: AP

Toby Reid, a 24-year-old businessman from London, was on holiday with his girlfriend in South Africa when he unexpectedly received news that he and his girlfriend had to go to Johannesburg airport and queue for hours. Finally, the couple managed to secure the last two seats on a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, on the evening of November 26th.

Those who were unlucky had to discuss other options at the ticket counter to find a way back home, and were also surprised by the price and the complicated flight itinerary. According to iNews (UK), the price of air tickets from South Africa to the United Kingdom has almost tripled, from £416 to £1,296 in just the last 24 hours.

A flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands, at Johannesburg airport was delayed for hours after passengers were unexpectedly asked to present a negative Covid-19 test result.

British Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced that the UK has added six African countries to its "red list" – a list of travel restrictions aimed at "being vigilant and protecting borders as best as possible". From 4 am on November 28th, all passengers arriving in the UK from Africa will be required to quarantine.