Canada suspended all passenger flights from India and Pakistan on Thursday for 30 days, Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra announced, citing increased COVID-19 cases detected in travelers arriving from these countries. 

"Given the higher number of cases of COVID-19 detected in air passengers arriving in Canada from India and Pakistan... I am suspending all commercial and private passenger flights arriving in Canada from India and Pakistan for 30 days," Alghabra told a news conference. 

"This is a temporary measure, while we assess the evolving situation and determine appropriate measures going forward," he added. 

The restriction will go into effect at 0330 GMT Friday (11:30 a.m. BJT Friday).