New Delhi, Dec 1 (TIWN) A chorus is growing loud in India against the opening up of normal international flight operations from December 15 against the back of the new and reportedly more infectious 'Omicron' variant of Covid-19.

The demand coincides with the Centre's advisory to states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure preparedness of health infrastructure like availability of ICU, O2 beds, ventilators, among others, and to focus on rural areas.  At present, several nations have either closed their air spaces or placed strict restrictions on incoming passengers.  In this environment, especially after suffering the massive second wave of Covid-19 which was unleashed by the Delta variant, many are questioning the Centre's move to open up the sector.  Accordingly, a survey done by LocalCircles, a majority of people want the Centre to reconsider its decision on lifting of foreign flights in light of the new Omicron or Covid B.1.1.529 variant.