Over 20,000 Brits to Be Flown Home from South Asia
More than 20,000 British travellers are set to return to the UK on 83 Government charter flights from South Asia by 7 May. The Government just announced 28 new flights from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, adding capacity for around 7,000 passengers.
New Charter Flights Launched
- 14 flights from India, running from 28 April to 4 May
- 9 flights from Pakistan, running from 30 April to 7 May
- 5 flights from Bangladesh, running from 29 April to 7 May
These flights join 55 charters already flown in recent weeks, helping more than 12,000 Brits return safely.
Government Working Round the Clock
“We have been working round the clock to ensure British people in the region can return to the UK,” said Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth. “These 28 additional flights will bring 8,000 more people home. We know travellers are anxious about getting back to friends and family, and we continue doing everything we can.”
British travellers are urged to keep an eye on official travel advice and contact UK Embassies or High Commissions for urgent support.
Charters Backed by Millions in Funding
The Government is committing up to £75 million for special charter flights to key countries, focusing on helping the most vulnerable get home. This move comes after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab’s plan unveiled on 30 March.
So far:
- Over 13,000 Brits have flown home from India on 52 flights by 4 May
- Nearly 5,000 from Pakistan on 19 flights by 7 May
- More than 2,100 from Bangladesh on 9 flights by 7 May
- 700+ from Nepal on 3 flights in April
The Government has also been liaising with airlines and regional governments to keep airports open and commercial flights running where possible.
With these efforts, the UK aims to reconnect thousands of stranded Brits with their loved ones amid ongoing COVID-19 challenges.
