UK government announces flight for British travellers stranded in Fiji
The UK government is arranging a special charter flight to Melbourne, Australia, for British travellers stranded in Fiji.
The UK government is arranging a special charter flight to Melbourne, Australia, for around 40 British travellers stranded in Fiji who will then be able to return home by booking a commercial flight from Melbourne back to London.
The flight will depart Nadi for Melbourne on Wednesday 29 April, where passengers will be able to access a commercial Qatar Airways flight to London. The UK government has worked closely with the Fijian and Australian authorities and Qatar Airways to secure this route.
There are currently no commercial flight options from Fiji and this is expected to be the only UK government charter flight. So British travellers who want to return home, are being encouraged to book at the Fiji Travel Advice page.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister of State, Zac Goldsmith said:
The UK government is committed to supporting Brits across the world, which is why we’ve arranged this special charter flight for those stranded in Fiji to help them get home.
At the same time we know Cyclone Harold has done huge damage to the island. We are here to support Fiji in response to this disaster and in the fight against coronavirus.
The British High Commissioner to Fiji, Melanie Hopkins said:
I’m pleased we have been able to charter a flight out of Fiji, with the support of Fiji Airways and the Fijian authorities.
The British High Commission will be in touch with as many British travellers as possible in the coming days to arrange safe journeys and will continue to provide consular support to any British nationals who remain in the Fiji and require assistance.
The High Commission will help secure transit exemptions through Australia for British travellers confirmed on this flight who have booked onward travel to their final destination within 72 hours of arrival in Melbourne and have contacted the British High Commission Suva with their details.
Spare seats on the flight out of Fiji will be offered to EU nationals who wish to return to their countries of residence.
The UK government is working with the airline industry and host governments across the world to help bring back British travellers to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March 2020 with up to £75 million available for special charter flights from priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers.
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