Hong Kong bans British Airways flights because of the detection of four passengers with COVID-19

The Hong Kong Department of Health has banned British Airways flights until Christmas. An airplane arrives at Hong Kong airport British Airways, four passengers were found to be infected with Covid-19, and another person did not comply with the authorities' requirements.

The London Heathrow - Hong Kong flight was operated on December 8. After finding four people positive for the new coronavirus, Hong Kong authorities banned British Airways flights until December 25.

A British Airways spokesman said: "We are disappointed that we have received instructions from the Hong Kong authorities to temporarily suspend our passenger flights on the London - Hong Kong route. We are working with the authorities to resume these services in complete safety for passengers and crews."

Prior to the application of this measure, the two-week ban shall apply only to carriers with five or more positive cases detected on arrival or three positive cases recorded on two consecutive flights.

However, under the new rules, the two-week flight ban will apply to all airlines if at least one positive case is detected on arrival in Hong Kong.

A British Airways official added: "We contact passengers to apologize and give them the option to fly with another airline, travel with British Airways at a later date or accept a full refund. Our flights from Hong Kong to London continue to operate normally. "

As a side note, the four passengers did not become infected on the plane, as they already had the virus before traveling from London. Most likely they were asymptomatic or light-shaped and tested positive at Hong Kong Airport.