
China will suspend regular passenger flights to and from the United Kingdom to prevent the spread of a new variant of novel coronavirus, the country's civil aviation authority said on Sunday.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China has told domestic and international airlines to suspend flights between China and the UK from Monday to Jan 10 after the UK recently reported a new and more infectious strain of the virus.
The administration said airlines should arrange refunds for passengers affected by the suspension of flights.
On Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin had said China would suspend flights between China and the UK.
Given the exceptional nature of the new virus variant and its potential impact, China made the decision after a full assessment to safeguard people's health and people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, Wang said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.
"China has taken reference of the practices of other countries," he said, adding that China will closely follow the situation and make adjustments in due course.
Earlier, countries such as Germany, Canada and France suspended flights to and from the UK to prevent the spread of the virus.
London announced a lockdown before Christmas for the same reason.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses