UK government arranging a special charter flight to Melbourne for British travellers stranded in Fiji

The UK government is arranging a special charter flight to Melbourne, Australia, for around 40 British travellers stranded in Fiji who will then be able to return home by booking a commercial flight from Melbourne back to London.

A statement from the UK government says the flight will depart Nadi for Melbourne on Wednesday 29 April, where passengers will be able to access a commercial Qatar Airways flight to London.

The UK Government says it has worked closely with the Fijian and Australian authorities and Qatar Airways to secure this route.

It says there are currently no commercial flight options from Fiji and this is expected to be the only UK Government charter flight.

⬇️ News of a 🇬🇧 Government charter flight for those wishing to return home to the UK https://t.co/elZCd9ZRY1

— Melanie Hopkins (@mhopkinsfco) April 23, 2020

British travellers who want to return home are being encouraged to book at the Fiji Travel Advice page.

The British High Commissioner to Fiji, Melanie Hopkins says they will be in touch with as many British travellers as possible in the coming days to arrange safe journeys and will continue to provide consular support to any British nationals who remain in Fiji and require assistance.

The British High Commission says they will help secure transit exemptions through Australia for British travellers confirmed on this flight who have booked onward travel to their final destination within 72 hours of arrival in Melbourne and have contacted the British High Commission Suva with their details.

Spare seats on the flight out of Fiji will be offered to EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand nationals who wish to return to their countries of residence.