This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-59793040

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Covid: Travel misery for tens of thousands with flights are cancelled Covid: Travel misery for tens of thousands with flights cancelled
(32 minutes later)
Delta airline passengers are among those worst-hit by the cancellationsDelta airline passengers are among those worst-hit by the cancellations
Tens of thousands of airline passengers have been hit by the grounding of thousands of flights as a surge in Covid cases causes staff shortages.Tens of thousands of airline passengers have been hit by the grounding of thousands of flights as a surge in Covid cases causes staff shortages.
At least 7,000 flights have now been cancelled since Friday and over the Christmas weekend, according to the FlightAware data tracking website.At least 7,000 flights have now been cancelled since Friday and over the Christmas weekend, according to the FlightAware data tracking website.
Chinese and US airlines appear to be the hardest hit, with further delays and cancellations announced for Monday.Chinese and US airlines appear to be the hardest hit, with further delays and cancellations announced for Monday.
Companies say the cancellations are due to airline crews testing positive.Companies say the cancellations are due to airline crews testing positive.
Staff who have not tested positive but have been in contact with those infected are then being forced to self-isolate.Staff who have not tested positive but have been in contact with those infected are then being forced to self-isolate.
Recorded Covid cases are rising sharply around the world, largely driven by the Omicron variant.Recorded Covid cases are rising sharply around the world, largely driven by the Omicron variant.
Despite early findings that Omicron is milder than other coronavirus variants, scientists are concerned by the sheer number of infections being recorded.Despite early findings that Omicron is milder than other coronavirus variants, scientists are concerned by the sheer number of infections being recorded.
How can I tell I have Omicron?How can I tell I have Omicron?
Covid map: Where are cases the highest?Covid map: Where are cases the highest?
Omicron wave appears milder, but concern remainsOmicron wave appears milder, but concern remains
On Sunday, more than 1,800 flights were cancelled - over 560 of which were to or from US airports, according to FlightAware.On Sunday, more than 1,800 flights were cancelled - over 560 of which were to or from US airports, according to FlightAware.
The worst-hit US companies are Delta, United and JetBlue.The worst-hit US companies are Delta, United and JetBlue.
United warned earlier that a spike in Omicron cases had "had a direct impact on our flight crews and the people who run our operation", adding that it was contacting impacted passengers in advance of them coming to the airport.United warned earlier that a spike in Omicron cases had "had a direct impact on our flight crews and the people who run our operation", adding that it was contacting impacted passengers in advance of them coming to the airport.
Omicron now is the dominant strain in the US.Omicron now is the dominant strain in the US.
However, the most affected single airline appears to be China Eastern with more than 390 scrapped flights on Sunday.However, the most affected single airline appears to be China Eastern with more than 390 scrapped flights on Sunday.
The airport in the northern Chinese city of Xi'an has reported more than 100 flight cancellations.The airport in the northern Chinese city of Xi'an has reported more than 100 flight cancellations.
More than 13 million people in Xi'an have been recently ordered to stay at home as authorities attempt to tackle a Covid outbreak there.More than 13 million people in Xi'an have been recently ordered to stay at home as authorities attempt to tackle a Covid outbreak there.
Heathrow Airport in London has seen 60 flights cancelled on Sunday so far.Heathrow Airport in London has seen 60 flights cancelled on Sunday so far.
Nearly 5.4 million people have died with coronavirus worldwide, according to America's Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 279 million confirmed cases.Nearly 5.4 million people have died with coronavirus worldwide, according to America's Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 279 million confirmed cases.
This video can not be playedThis video can not be played
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled"Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled"
Have you been affected by a cancelled flight? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Have you been affected by a cancelled flight? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSayTweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
Upload pictures or videoUpload pictures or video
Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policyPlease read our terms & conditions and privacy policy