Flights from India suspended until at least mid-May
All flights to India are suspended until May 15 in order to relieve the quarantine system in Sydney as well as the Howard Springs Centre in the Northern Territory.
Scott Morrison announced on Tuesday the first package of supplies for the crisis-ridden nation, which included 500 non-invasive ventilation devices, gowns and goggles, gloves, and masks. The government has a capacity of up to 3,000 ventilators.
The government of India will purchase 100 oxygen concentrators with tanks and consumables to help address the acute oxygen shortage in Indian hospitals.
The National Security Committee of the Federal Cabinet has marked the suspension and aid package.
In India, more than 9,000 Australians and residents have been registered, including 650 vulnerable individuals.
Morrison stated that the decision will affect two passenger flights to Sydney and two return flights into Darwin. This involves about 500 people.
The government suspended flights and arrivals from India last week, but it has now decided to stop them because the number of COVID-19 cases quarantined is so high.
Morrison stated that 95% of recent arrivals at Howard Springs were Indians.
He said that the future of flights to India will be reviewed by May 15.
Morrison stated that all passengers who will be traveling on future flights must have both a positive PCR and a positive rapid antigen test.
The entry of India via Singapore, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur to Australia is also blocked because “we know that flights from and to these transit points, as well as India, have been suspended by their respective governments.”
Australia restricts exemptions to travel to India only for essential travel.
Since March of last year, the federal government has allowed 38 flights to leave India.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne stated that Australian posts in India will “redouble their efforts” to keep contact with Australians living there to make sure they are aware of travel settings, changes, and assistance available.
Morrison also said that the Australian government will reach out to the Indian community.
Morrison responded that the cricketers from Australia who are currently in India would not be given any special treatment when flights resume. Priority will be given to those who are most vulnerable.
This wasn’t a part of the Australian tour. They are using their funds. They’ll use those resources, I’m certain, to ensure that they return to Australia according to their arrangements.”
In India, the latest number of daily new cases reported for the 24 hours prior to Tuesday was 323,000. This is down from 350,000 on Monday.
Eight flights sponsored by the Indian government were planned in May before the announcement made last week.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stated that the decision to suspend flight “will be hard for families but is the right choice at this time.”
It is an honor to be able to train for this mission and to bring Australia’s space dream closer hopefully. By teaching space technology and the law, I hope to play my part in improving access to space for future generations.