Passengers from UK held overnight in German airport as borders close

Over the weekend, nearly 20 EU countries including France, Germany and Belgium banned flights and most freight lorries, train and ferries from the UK and further bans were imposed by Israel, Canada, Chile and India.

The restrictions caused chaos for travellers. British nationals arriving on the last flights into Germany on Sunday evening were forced to camp out overnight in airport terminals after German authorities refused them entry into the country.

Passengers reported delays and confusion upon arrival, with border police at Berlin Airport initially announcing that all non-German nationals would be put on planes back to the UK. Non-Germans with residency in the country were eventually allowed over the border, and one passenger at Hannover Airport subsequently tested positive for the virus.

The new strain has already been found in the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and as far as Australia. On Sunday, the Italian health ministry said a doctor had been hospitalised with the new strain with mild symptoms after returning from the UK.