New COVID-19 Variant Greatly Distrupts Aviation

Yesterday, a new COVID-19 variant was discovered in South Africa, known as the Omicron or the B.1.1.529 variant. This new variant is very dangerous as there has been 30 mutations of the type by far. Vaccine manufacturers are rushing to create a COVID-19 jab that is effective against this new strain. Owing to this, aviation has been deeply hit. Through this article, you will find out about Omicron's effect on aviation, so far.

Airlines Cancelling Flights To South Africa

After the new strain was discovered, airlines have been in a frenzy and cancels flights to South Africa and the countries surrounding it, despite the WHO warning against any overreaction. The United States has stated that they will restrict travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi from Monday, 29 November onwards. Countries such as Canada, Japan and Russia have done the same, with others following suit. Airlines such as Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have too cancelled all flights to South Africa due to the Omicron variant. Thousands of travel plans have been distrupted due to this new variant.

Flights From South Africa Stranded On Ground

Due to this new type of the coronavirus, flights from South Africa have been left stranded on ground for hours at the arrival airport. One notable example was KLM flight 598 from Capetown to Amsterdam, which was left stranded at the gate upon arrival for 4 hours while waiting for special tests, leaving passengers frustrated as some had missed their connections. Another flight from Johannesburg faced a similar delay for a special test upon landing.

Airline Stock Prices Plummeting

Due to the cancellation of flights to South Africa, airline stock prices have plummeted. Singapore Airlines stock price went down from USD $3.83 to USD $3.68. American Airlines stock has fallen in value by USD $2.45, but is slowly recovering, whilst airplane manufacturer, Boeing's stock has plummeted in price by up to USD $15 following the discovery of Omicron.

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Written by: Sohail Sawlani
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