HK bans flights from KL after transit passengers test positive for Covid-19

COVID-19 | Hong Kong has issued a ban on flights between the city and Kuala Lumpur for two weeks after five individuals from India who transited in the Malaysian capital were tested positive for Covid-19.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the five individuals had taken Air India Express flight to Kuala Lumpur before taking Cathay Dragon airlines to Hong Kong on Friday.

The news report quoted a spokesperson of Cathay Dragon, saying that the airline was notified by health authorities in Hong Kong on Saturday night that five of its passengers on board flight KA734 on Friday had the virus.

"As a result of the Civil Aviation Department directive, we will suspend our passenger services between Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong until Oct 3."

The airlines also said that they are working to trace people who were in close contact with passengers on board the flight, besides sending the affected aircraft for deep cleaning.

Passengers who are affected by the flight ban would be refunded or given alternative travel arrangements.

SCMP reported that Air India was also slapped with a similar ban in August, after several of its passengers were found positive with the coronavirus after arrival in Hong Kong.

"The move, a month after Air India was hit with the same punishment, has shut off a key route for the thousands of Indian citizens still trying to return to Hong Kong after being stranded abroad for several months," said the report.