Germany, Netherlands ban flights from South Africa

Germany and the Netherlands have announced plans to ban passenger flights from South Africa just after they closed their borders to passengers from the UK over fears that a new Covid-19 strain could spread rapidly across Europe.

The German government announced late yesterday evening that all passenger flights from the UK and South Africa would be banned as of today until 6 January as a result of the rapid spread of a new Covid strain. Operations for passengers with residence in Germany will be allowed to resume from 1 January.

Passenger flights from South Africa to the Netherlands were banned as of 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) yesterday and will remain in force until 1 January. Flights carrying cargo and medical staff will be permitted.

The decision follows a wave of European travel bans from passengers from the UK, which were imposed to "restrict travel from regions where variants of coronavirus are circulating," Dutch minister of infrastructure Cora van Nieuwenhuizen said. The ban has resulted in the cancellation of two flights with around 120 passengers this morning.

The government added that the ban would be withdrawn before 1 January if new measures were put in place to make it mandatory for all passengers to hold a negative Covid test before boarding, including EU residents.

The extension of travel bans to other countries will likely continue to rattle jet fuel markets, especially since the imposition of more stringent restrictions globally is looming. Northwest European jet fuel margins fell to a $4.73/bl premium in yesterday's session, from a $5.49/bl premium on Friday's close.

By Florence Schmit