Canada Is Banning Flights From India & Pakistan For 30 Days

"Due to the continued spread of variants of concern."
Canada Is Banning Flights From India & Pakistan For 30 Days
Banol2007 | Dreamstime
Reporter

Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced that Canada is suspending commercial and passenger flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days, effective April 22 at 11:30 p.m. EST "due to the continued spread of variants of concern."

The announcement comes just a day after Quebec's Institut national de santé publique (INSPQ) and CIUSSS de la Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec confirmed the province's first known case of the new COVID-19 variant strain, first identified in India, labelled B.1.617.

Editor's Choice: These Health Conditions Make You Eligible For Quebec's Next Round Of COVID-19 Vaccines

"This is a temporary measure while we assess the evolving situation and determine appropriate measures going forward," Alghabra said.

Cargo flights from both countries will be permitted to enter Canada to ensure a continued supply of vaccines, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies.

Passengers who depart from either country to Canada via an indirect flight route after 11:30 p.m. tonight must obtain a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test at their last point of departure.

covid-19
MontrealNewsNews
  • Lea Sabbah
  • Lea Sabbah
    Lea Sabbah was a Staff Writer for MTL Blog. Previously, Lea was a radio host on CJLO 1690 AM and her work has been published by Global News, the Toronto Star, Le Devoir and the National Observer. In 2019, she was part of the investigative team that uncovered lead in Montreal's drinking water — a story which won Quebec's Grand Prix Judith-Jasmin. She's a graduate of the journalism program at Concordia University.

How much cheaper is it to live in Montreal vs Calgary? We did the math

From rent to grocery bills, here's how the two cities stack up.

Winter 2026-2027 in Quebec: Here's when the cold and snow will hit hardest

It's coming... 🥶

Canadians might be able to live and work in Europe without a visa — Here's why

"It's the start of a process."

A raspberry recall was just issued in Quebec and eating them could make you seriously ill

The products made their way to store shelves across Quebec.

Canadians are getting this grocery payment in October instead of the usual GST/HST credit

Luckily, it pays even more.

The EU wants Canada to be its first 'associate member' and gave Carney a red carpet welcome

Carney said Canada is not looking to become a full member of the European Union.

Canada's best autumn town is in Quebec and it's a lakeside gem with a symphony of colours

It's the perfect fall getaway. 🍁🧡

Montreal AI research institute denounces violence after office vandalized

Montreal AI research institute denounces vandalism

Quebec party leaders gear up for second TV debate of election campaign

Quebec leaders gear up for second election debate