Charter Flights to Rescue Vulnerable Brits Stuck in New Zealand
The UK Government is launching five new charter flights to bring back the most vulnerable Britons stranded in New Zealand. Three flights will depart from Auckland and two from Christchurch this week, repatriating over 1,500 people.
Priority Given to Those Most at Risk
The flights will prioritise travellers at highest risk from coronavirus. The first flight is set to take off on Friday, 24 April. After that, flights will continue every other day, alternating between Auckland and Christchurch.
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, 2,600 Brits have returned home on commercial flights, thanks to close cooperation between the British High Commission, New Zealand Government, and airlines. However, with commercial flights now fully booked, the UK Government has stepped in to organise charter flights.
Government Officials Pledge Continued Support
Lord Goldsmith, Minister responsible for New Zealand, said:
“We promised we would do everything we could to help get Britons home. Getting a commercial flight from New Zealand is now extremely difficult, so we are now going to bring back vulnerable British travellers on charter flights and will continue to support those who remain in the country.”
British High Commissioner Laura Clarke added:
“We are doing all we can to help British people get back home to the UK, and new charter flights will help more people – particularly the most vulnerable – to do that. My team and I will continue to do all we can to support those who are still in New Zealand, throughout this crisis and beyond.”
