In a letter sent to the Reuters news agency on Monday, July 11, the low-cost airline of the United Arab Emirates announced the suspension of flights between Dubai and the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground. Passengers booked to travel on these flights will be contacted and offered a refundsaid the representative of Flydubai. The company currently serves 89 destinations in 46 different countries. This announcement is the first for the airline since the beginning of the crisis in the country.
The United States on Sunday urged Sri Lanka’s future new leaders “Work Fast” to restore economic stability and quell popular discontent following the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his palace stormed by protesters on Saturday.
Paris and London advise against all travel to Sri Lanka
On the Quai d’Orsay website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises from Saturday 9 July “limit travel to strictly necessary, avoid all gatherings, particularly in Colombo, while calm is restored“. France Diplomatie reminds that “If the situation worsens, a curfew may also be imposed on all or part of the area. It is recommended to strictly respect them and follow the instructions of the local authorities.“.
For its part, the United Kingdom has advised its citizens from Tuesday July 5 to avoid all non-essential travel to Sri Lanka, which has been hit by a severe economic crisis and many shortages. The UK Foreign Office stresses in its updated travel bulletin that “Transit through the country’s international airport is not concerned“.
The government, unable to repay the foreign debt of 51 billion dollars, declared default in April. For months, the country has lived through daily power outages, fuel and food rationing, and skyrocketing inflation. The lack of foreign currency no longer allows us to import enough food, fuel and other essential goods.
VIDEO. The president of Sri Lanka is on the run, his residence was invaded by protesters.
Source: Le Figaro
