Fears over the new COVID-19 variant -- Omicron -- are growing as more cases are being reported across the world prompting many countries to close their borders.
The Japanese government on Thursday announced that it has since withdrawn its request for airlines to completely halt reservations for inbound international flights this month after being criticized for its strict rule.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged that the transport ministry's statement made a day before had caused chaos.
Japanese citizens and foreign residents would've been unable to return home until next year, if their flights weren't already booked.
Japan confirmed its second case of Omicron on Wednesday in a man arriving at Narita Airport from Peru late last month.
01:56
Leaders of S. Korea, U.S. reaffirm commitments to global comprehensive strategic alliance
00:36
02:19
02:21
02:15
02:55
