En route to China, Delta flight turns around amid new anti-Covid restrictions

US company Delta Airlines decided to return a plane on a Shanghai-bound flight to Seattle last week due to new health restrictions required at the airport, prompting criticism from the Chinese authorities.

Read alsoWhy are French airlines affected so little by the cancellation of flights?

To comply with the cleaning requirements at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) issued by the Chinese government on December 21, Flight 287 from Seattle to Shanghai returned to (Seattle) while on its way to (Shanghai)A company spokesperson said in an email to AFP on Monday. “The new cleaning procedures are very demanding on the floor and are not operationally viable for Delta.”He added without going into details of the procedures mentioned.

According to Chinese media, many passengers ended up in the United States after Covid tests expired and their visas expired, prompting the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco to file a formal complaint with Delta.

Thousands of flights canceled

Thousands of flights have been canceled in recent days by airlines around the world, with many pilots and crews falling ill or in quarantine due to the highly contagious Omicron variant of Covid-19. Many authorities have also tightened restrictions, and Chinese authorities have been particularly on alert with the approach of the Beijing Olympics, which begin in less than 40 days.