The government has announced the suspension of all passenger flights from India to Kenya with effect from Saturday. The suspension was announced by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.

The suspension of flights from India will last for a period of two weeks. However, cargo flights have been spared and will continue to operate in observance of the health protocols stipulated by the government.

Those arriving in the country in the next 72 hours from India shall undertake mandatory testing. Those found positive shall be isolated for 14 days at their own cost.

The suspension comes amidst uproar that more flights from India were scheduled to land in Kenya over the next few days.

Uproar as plane full of passengers from India to land at JKIA

Currently, India is experiencing a huge spike in infections and deaths. The last 24 hours brought 360,960 new cases for the world’s largest single-day total, taking India’s tally of infections to nearly 18 million. It was also the deadliest day so far, with 3,293 fatalities carrying the toll to 201,187.

We shall continue flying to and from India, says Kenya Airways

Earlier on, Kenya Airways had announced that it would continue to fly to India. The national carrier had argued that India is one of its most important destinations in the world.