British nationals stranded in Fiji have been given an opportunity to return to the United Kingdom on a chartered flight to Melbourne, Australia, through Fiji Airways.
British High Commissioner to Fiji Melanie Hopkins confirmed the chartered flight would depart from Nadi International Airport on April 28, 2020.
“As you may know, the British government’s approach has been to support people returning home via commercial routes and wherever possible, to use chartered flights when no commercial routes are available,” she said in a video statement.
“The UK is arranging one charter flight with Fiji Airways on the 28th of April.
“This will go from Nadi airport to Melbourne International Airport. We expect this to be the only UK-organised charter flight and we strongly encourage British nationals who wish to return home to make the most of this opportunity.
“This flight is for British travellers and their direct dependents. British travellers will be prioritised first and where availability allows, this flight will be opened up to EU and other nationals.
“You will have to pay for the ticket from Fiji to Melbourne. There will be a cost of £400 ($F1121) per person.
“Once you arrive in Melbourne, British travellers will get on a connecting flight within 72 hours.”
She said passengers would then be connected to flights to London through Qatar Airways.
“You will be able to get on a Qatar Airways flight to London on the 29th of April and EU travellers will be able to get on a Qatar Airways flight to other destinations.
“Before leaving Fiji, you will be responsible for booking this onward travel from Melbourne and you will need to show confirmation of this at Melbourne Airport. Tickets from Melbourne to the UK start at £670 ($F1878).
“Finally, you will need to apply for an Australian transit exemption and the British High Commission will help facilitate this once you provide us the details.”
