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Single government rescue flight planned for Jamaica

A single rescue flight is being laid on for Britons stranded in Jamaica due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The government charter from Tui Airways for 140 people is to operate from Kingston to Heathrow on May 7 with fares costing £367.

Tui is using the outbound leg from the UK to Jamaica to help crew from its cruise ships to get back to the Caribbean.

“This is enabling us to offer a cost-effective approach to get more British travellers home,” the Foreign Office said.

But the FCO warned of “extremely limited” commercial options available to return to the UK from the Caribbean island.

“The flight on 7 May will be the only UK government organised special flight from Jamaica,” the FCO said.

“If you do not board the flight on 7 May you are encouraged to make indirect travel arrangements via the USA or Canada if possible but you may have to wait before a flight becomes available.

“You should refer to those countries’ restrictions before travelling to ensure that you will be allowed to enter the country for onward connection.

“Currently no airlines are scheduled to fly to the USA or Canada in May.”

The suspension of British Airways service to Gatwick has been extended until May 31 and may be subject to change while Virgin Atlantic and Tui flights are no longer operating.

The FCO will be prioritising British nationals for the special charter although others will be eligible.

Those booked on the flight have been urged to be at Norman Manley airport by no later than 1pm and check-in will close at 3pm. A curfew imposed by the Jamaican government prohibiting travel between 6pm and 6am is still in place.

His commissioner to Jamaica Asif Ahmad said: “This flight will help British travellers stuck in Jamaica to get back to the UK.

“I encourage all those with an interest to register now as it is unlikely that there will be any further charter flights.

“I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Jamaican authorities for enabling us to get people home during this crisis.”

 

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