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, 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 2020with up to £75 million available
for special charter flights from priority countries, focused on
helping the most vulnerable travellers.
