The Austrian government has again extended the landing ban for passenger aircraft coming from the United Kingdom and South Africa. In addition, Brazil has now also been placed on the list of undesirable starting countries. This emerges from the Notam A0170 / 21, which was distributed to airlines and pilots.

The measure does not come as a surprise, but Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) only said a few days ago that he considers the ban on non-stop flights ineffective. Among other things, he pointed out that these can be circumvented very easily by switching to another country.

Obviously, however, Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) has prevailed, because the corresponding regulation on which the Notam is based bears his signature. The flight bans are currently limited up to and including February 8, 2021. However, both an extension and an extension to other states are to be expected. According to reports, Portugal could soon be added to the list.