Government Ramps Up Efforts to Bring Britons Stranded Abroad Home
The UK government is scrambling to get thousands of Brit travellers stuck overseas by coronavirus back home. With new flights and 10 more airlines signing up, even more Brits are set to touch down on UK soil soon.
Extra Flights and More Airlines Join the Rescue
- Charter flights launching from Bolivia, Ecuador, the Philippines, and India to bring crowds of Brits back
- 10 new airlines, including British Airways, Norwegian, TUI, and Ryanair, join the government’s repatriation scheme
- The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) extends indefinite advice against all non-essential overseas travel
Starting next week, special flights will take off from Delhi, Goa, and Mumbai to bring stranded Brits home from India. Travellers are urged to check the latest travel advice before booking.
14 Airlines Now on Board the Government Scheme
The total number of airlines signed up has jumped to 14, adding big names like British Airways and Ryanair to Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, and Jet2. Since Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced the deal on 30 March, over 1,450 Britons have flown home on specially chartered flights.
“Travellers are facing an unprecedented challenge on a global scale, and I know people are understandably desperate to get back to their homes and loved ones,” said Dominic Raab.
“We are committed to supporting Britons getting home either through commercial routes we have helped keep open or through specially chartered flights. More airlines mean more flights and a fairer deal, with more ticket flexibility and better costs.”
Transport Secretary Pledges Round-the-Clock Support
Grant Shapps said: “We continue to work with airlines around the clock to reunite British citizens with their families and loved ones. More airlines pledging support makes this huge operation easier, speeding up the process so more people can return home quickly and safely.”
Take Commercial Flights if You Can
The FCO urges all Brits to grab any commercial flights available back to the UK. The Department for Transport is working with airlines to help people with pre-booked tickets get home — including allowing ticket changes between carriers where possible to keep routes open.
With coronavirus lockdowns disrupting travel worldwide, the government’s stepped-up repatriation plan offers a lifeline to those stranded far from home. Stay updated and book early to secure your seat on these crucial flights.
