Dhaka: Cathay Pacific Airways on January 1 announced that it fired two of its aircrew who had tested positive for the Omicron variant of coronavirus for breaching medical surveillance regulations.

The airline mentioned five of its aircrew had tested positive for Omicron following their return to Hong Kong from duty, and investigation into the cases had shown a serious breach of protocols by some of those crew.

“Failure to comply with medical surveillance regulations will lead to disciplinary procedures. Two of the individuals are no longer employed by Cathay Pacific,” the carrier said in a statement.

Cathay did not give any further detail, but the regulations include spending a period quarantining at home after flying.

“The actions of these individuals are extremely disappointing, as they undermine the otherwise exemplary dedication and compliance shown by our over 10,000 aircrew,” Cathay claimed, adding, it would work closely with health authorities to reinforce public health protection.

Hong Kong’s health officials on December 31 said, the Omicron variant of coronavirus has toppled many of the world’s strictest Covid-19 restrictions while the city reported its first cases outside its strict quarantine system. On January 1, the government noted it was investigating eight additional Omicron cases.