UK Charter Flights To Bring Home Thousands Of Brits Stranded Abroad
Updated: Read the latest developments on the coronavirus outbreak here.
The UK will provide special charter flights for tens of thousands of Britons stranded abroad as countries around the world go into lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab announced a £75m partnership with airlines to bring home tens of thousands of stranded British travellers, who will need to pay for seats on the flights themselves.
British Airways, Virgin, Easyjet, Jet2 and Titan Airways will all take part initially and the list of partner airlines can be expanded.
In countries where commercial flights are still operating, airlines will be responsible for getting people home, including by offering alternative flights for little to no cost when routes have been cancelled, and allowing passengers to change tickets between different airlines.
Addressing people in countries where flights are still available, Raab said: “Don’t wait. Don’t run the risk of getting stranded. Please book your tickets as soon as possible.”
Where there are no commercial flights, the government will provide financial support for special charter flights to bring UK nationals home.
They will be promoted through Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice and by the relevant embassies and high commissions, and travellers will have to book and pay directly through one travel management company.
The government is providing £75m to support those flights to “keep the cost down and affordable” for those seeking to return.
There will be priority for the most vulnerable travellers, including the elderly and those with pressing medical needs, and there will be a focus on countries where there are large numbers of Britons.
“For those stranded or for families nervously awaiting news and wanting to see their loved ones return home, we are doing everything we can.
“We have improved our advice and boosted the call centre so travellers get better and swifter information.
“We...
