Dhaka Suspends Air Links with India

After the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus a global pandemic, various countries have adopted measures to contain and mitigate the effects of the virus. India, with over 70 confirmed cases and one death, has also shut its borders. All visas stand suspended until April 15, 2020 with a few exceptions.

Air links between Kolkata and Dhaka also have been hampered. Several airlines operating from Bangladesh have announced cancellation of their flights to India in view of the global outbreak. Also, representatives of various airlines announced that they will no longer be able to operate flights due to lack of passengers.

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According to media reports, all Bangladesh airlines&mdashRegent Airways, US-Bangla Airlines and Novo Air&mdashincluding the national carrier&mdashBiman Bangladesh--have decided to suspend operations in the Indian territory.

The operations will remain suspended till April 15, 2020. However, one aircraft will fly to Kolkata to bring back the Bangladeshis who are currently in the city.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka also announced that all visas issued by it and the Assistant High Commissions in Bangladesh will remain suspended beginning today and no new visas will be issued for India during this period.

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