Spain today announced the suspension of flights from South African countries, starting from Thursday until December 15, in order to “fight against the spread” of the Omicron variant, which was first identified in South Africa.
This decision, which was approved by the cabinet, has been expected for some days. It is taken at a time when a first case was detected yesterday in Madrid to a traveler from South Africa.
The restrictions apply to seven countries, according to the Spanish authorities: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. The measure will take effect on Thursday at 00.01 local time and will be maintained until midnight on December 15.
These restrictions can be “extended, if necessary, depending on the evolution of the pandemic situation and decisions can be taken in a coordinated manner with the European Union,” the health and transport ministries said in a joint statement.
Exceptions are provided for flights carrying “exclusively Spanish nationals residing in Spain, as well as Andorrans” and “international transit passengers to a country” outside the Schengen area “with a stop of less than 24 hours”.
The latter will not, however, have the opportunity to “leave the airport transit zone”, the competent ministries predict in their press release.
The restrictions are aimed at “protecting the health and safety of citizens by limiting the spread of the disease,” the Spanish government said in a statement.
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