China News Agency, Johannesburg, October 4 (Reporter Wang Xi) The South African Aviation Industry Association confirmed on the 4th that Emirates had cancelled all flights to and from South Africa on the 3rd because the South African government listed the UAE as a high risk for the new crown pneumonia epidemic Level, and airline crew members from high-risk countries or regions are not allowed to go through customs and must be quarantined in designated areas.

　　A few days ago, with the improvement of the epidemic situation, the South African government reopened the border on October 1 and resumed international travel.

As the most important route in South Africa, Emirates has previously undertaken most routes from South Africa to countries in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

Emirates also announced the resumption of all routes between the UAE and South Africa.

On October 1, international airlines including Emirates, Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, and Swissair successively landed at major airports in South Africa and were welcomed by the people of South Africa.

　　However, the South African government announced on the evening of September 30 that countries or regions such as the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the Netherlands are listed as high-risk levels of the epidemic. Ordinary travelers departing from these countries or regions are prohibited from entering South Africa. Although airlines from countries or regions are allowed to travel to and from South Africa, crew members are not allowed to enter and must be quarantined in designated areas.

　　In response to this regulation, Emirates Airlines made a decision to cancel all flights to and from South Africa on the evening of the 3rd.

Affected by this, other international airlines from high-risk countries or regions have also cancelled flights to and from South Africa.

　　In response, Carla da Silva, chairman of the board of directors of the South African Aviation Industry Association, said that the organization has realized that there is a problem with the South African government's above regulations, and has reported the matter to the South African Ministry of Transport and other relevant departments, requesting the government to re-investigate and evaluate.

"The requirements for the crew are unrealistic, because the crew have received the necessary tests and are in a safety cycle."

　　So far, the South African government has not responded to this matter.

(Finish)