Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Launches UK Evacuation Flights from Havana
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed urgent flights to bring Braemar guests safely back to the UK will begin tomorrow night, Wednesday 18 March, flying out of Jose Marti Airport, Havana.
Three British Airways Flights to London Heathrow
Three chartered British Airways flights will depart Havana for London Heathrow Terminal 5. The first takes off at 6pm local time (10pm UK time) and lands at Heathrow at 6.30am UK time. The last flight arrives by 10.30am.
Separate Flight for Symptomatic Guests and COVID-19 Cases
Guests diagnosed with coronavirus or showing flu-like symptoms, plus their companions, will travel home on a separate flight arranged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Medical staff will be onboard, providing care and help with onward travel.
All returning guests must self-isolate for 14 days per Public Health England guidance.
Support and Special Arrangements for Returning Passengers
- Transfers to London Gatwick or Manchester Airports available for guests starting their cruise journeys there.
- Guests booked through tour operators to await further instructions from their providers.
- Healthy passengers arriving at Heathrow will not require self-isolation but should stay updated with Public Health England.
- Anyone too unwell to fly will receive medical treatment in Cuba.
The Braemar currently holds five miles off Havana’s coast and will dock early tomorrow after four aircraft arrive in Cuba. There are 28 guests in isolation onboard showing influenza symptoms, including two confirmed COVID-19 cases from their last stop in Willemstad, Curaçao on 10 March.
Dedicated Support for Families
A special Braemar Relative Support Team is now operating at Fred. Olsen’s UK Head Office. Relatives can call +44 (0)1473 292350 between 8am and 8pm for updates and assistance.
