Coronavirus: Full list of repatriation flights available to stranded Britons
The coronavirus pandemic has triggered large-scale lockdowns around the world as infection rates have soared.
With borders closing at short notice, tens of thousands of Britons have been left stranded abroad with few options when it comes to getting home as flights dwindle.
It’s made harder by countries and regions that are barring transit passengers from entering.
Fortunately, a number of repatriation flights are now available for those who are stranded. There are also new details for registering for any flights that may be arranged in the coming days.
Here’s a full list.
Slovakia
The airports of Bratislava, Kosice and Poprad have stopped regular scheduled passenger flights.
The FCO said: "A commercial charter company is arranging a flight from Bratislava to London on Sunday 5 April, scheduled for 14:45. Please note, this is not a UK government organised flight and all arrangements are between passengers and the charter company."
You can register for the flight via a dedicated form but the FCO advises that you read the conditions of carriage carefully.
There may be indirect flights to the UK from Prague Airport, for which you will have enter the Czech Republic by road.
There's also the possibility of crossing into Austria by road and getting an indirect flight from there.
Latvia
With the exception of some land crossings, Latvia has closed all of its borders.
There are currently no scheduled flights and UK nationals have been advised by FCO to contact their tour operator, airline and accommodation provider "on the impact on any existing travel plans".
Greece
Direct flights between the UK and Greece have been suspended until 15 April. However, you can still find indirect flights home.
The FCO advises contacting the British Embassy in Athens if you need additional help.
Poland
LOT Polish Airlines are operating a limited number of flights from Warsaw Chopin Airport to the UK until 5 April.
UK nationals who want to book seats on these flights are advised to fill in their details on a dedicated form. The airline will then contact you directly to confirm the booking and take payment.
Hotels and short term accommodation in the country will be closed to new guests from Thursday 2 April.
Ukraine
Flights in and out of Ukraine are suspended for two weeks from 17 March.
The FCO says that there may be a small number of repatriation flights available, and UK nationals should contact the airlines directly.
Moldova
Moldova has banned all flights to the UK as of 17 March for an indefinite period. British nationals have been advised to cross over to Romania and fly back from there by the FCO. However, you will need to confirm your flight booking before you go.
Turkey
Flights in and out of Turkey have been suspended until further notice from 27 March.
There are currently two repatriation flight options, both from Istanbul. Qatar Airways has daily flights via Doha, while Belavia will have flights via Minsk on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sundays. Both are bookable via the airlines' website.
Georgia
All scheduled passenger flights to Georgia have been suspended for an indefinite period of time. The same applies to its land borders.
According to the FCO: "The only exception will be Georgian Airways (Air Zena) flights arranged in co-ordination with the Georgian Government (for the purpose of repatriation of their nationals). Air Zena may be willing to take departing outward passengers."
The flight is scheduled from Tblisi to London for 4 April, with British nationals advised to contact the airline directly.
UAE
The UAE stopped all flights as of midnight 24 March.
There are no repatriation flights at present, but the FCO has advised UK nationals to contact their airlines so “any demand is logged”.
Those who are stranded in the Emirates and are in difficulty should contact the British Embassy on uaeconsular.escalations@fco.gov.uk. You should include your full name, passport number, visa status (resident or tourist), contact details and your particular circumstances.
Jordan
On 16 March, Jordan closed all of its borders, both land and sea.
The UK government is currently working out the possibility of a commercial flight out of Jordan, to Doha, with Qatar Airways. From there, you will need to book separate tickets to the UK. The FCO said this will be in the range of 1,599 JOD (£1,900).
The FCO said: “In line with the FCO Travel Advice of 23 March, British nationals who have travelled to Jordan and who now find themselves without travel options to return home are the priority for places on this flight.
“If you are in this category and interested in purchasing a ticket on this flight, please send a copy of your passport biodata and visa stamp pages to Cons.Amman@fco.gov.uk by 8am on 25 March. The Embassy will then reply on 25 March with further details. You cannot purchase tickets for this flight through other means.”
Kuwait
Flights in and out of Kuwait have been suspended since 13 March.
There may be flights to London with Kuwait Airways, and the FCO has advised British nationals hoping to leave to contact the airline’s call centre on 171 or or send the passenger name and nationality via WhatsApp to 00965 22200171.
For the latest updates on the flights, British nationals have also been advised to follow the British Embassy in Kuwait’s Twitter account.
Oman
All flights in and out of Oman have been suspended until further notice. The FCO has advised those affected to check with airlines and tour operators directly regarding any possible routes out of the country.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has suspended all flights in and out of the country. However, the Uzbek Government has organised two flights from Tashkent to Munich, which are due to depart during the week commencing 23 March.
The FCO has not released the details of the flights but British nationals hoping to get a seat on the flight are advised to contact Uzbekistan Airways by email on pvo@uzairways.com.
India
International flights to and from India have been suspended.
While the FCO has advised British nationals in India to be prepared to wait until commercial flights are available, it has said those who want to leave should get in touch with their details.
It said: “If you are a British national who is currently visiting India and you wish to return urgently to the UK, please email Conqry.Newdelhi@fco.gov.uk. Please include your full name (and the names of any family members with you), date/s of birth for all named family members), your passport number, visa status and contact details, including your exact location in India.
“Please confirm your date of arrival in India and details of the return flight that you had planned to take back to the UK. Please also inform us if you have any special circumstances such as a medical condition we may need to be aware of.”
Pakistan
All international flights to and from Pakistan have been suspended until 11 April.
The FCO said: "On 1 April the Government of Pakistan announced a number of flights to and from various locations including the UK, starting in the coming days. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate these flights on a commercial basis.
"If you are a British national currently travelling in Pakistan and want to return to the UK, please contact us on ReturnfromPakistan@fco.gov.uk. Please include your full name, passport number, telephone number, and which province you are in. We will pass your contact details to PIA, who will make direct contact with you about commercial flights that become available to book."
Sri Lanka
Flights to Sri Lanka have been suspended, which could affect outbound flights.
The FCO advised: "Sri Lankan Airlines will operate one flight to London on 7 April, and will then suspend services until at least 21 April. Qatar Airways services have been reduced to one flight per day to Doha. We do not know how long that service will continue."
Thailand
There are still flights available from Thailand to the UK, but the FCO warned this could become increasingly difficult and disruptions could last many months.
The British Embassy in Bangkok will be updating flight options on Facebook and has advised UK citizens to register their interest in any upcoming flights by emailing Thailand.Registrations@fco.gov.uk, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, contact email and telephone number, location and nearest airport and date of entry into Thailand.
Vietnam
There are currently flights to the UK from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi via Qatar, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. However, the FCO warns that availability is rapidly decreasing.
It added: "Anyone choosing not to return to the UK must do so in full knowledge that they will be in Vietnam for the foreseeable future irrespective of how their personal circumstances may change."
Nepal
All international flights to and from Nepal have been suspended until 15 April.
British nationals who are stranded in the country have been told to email BEKathmandu.Details@fco.gov.uk with their name, passport number, email address and phone number. The UK government is working on possible flights out of the country and will be in touch if they are successful.
Mongolia
The Government of Mongolia is planning charter flights out of the country at the moment. These are to Seoul on 2 April and Tokyo on 3 April, and you would then need to get a separate flight back. Those interested are asked to contact Mongolian Airlines (MIAT) directly on +976 11 313 385 or +976 11 322 118.
The FCO has advised that those wishing to leave the country should email consular.mongolia@fco.gov.uk with your contact details and a photo of the ID page of your passport.
Myanmar
There are no commercial options for returning to the UK at present. Those who want to be notified of special chartered flights should email ReturnFromMyanmar@fco.gov.uk with your name, email, phone number and the number of people wishing to travel.
The FCO added: "The Myanmar Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population has announced a new process for extending tourist visas, which involves obtaining a letter of recommendation from the embassy. Our current advice remains to pay for any overstay on departure (3$ per day).
"We are liaising with the Myanmar Government to encourage overstays to be allowed automatically at no extra cost given the circumstances.
"However, if you do want to extend your visa, please email returnfrommyanmar@fco.gov.uk with a copy of your passport data page and a copy of your existing visa. We will email a letter of recommendation to you at no cost. You will then need to take the letter of recommendation to the Immigration office on Pansodan street, and pay a fee of $50."
New Zealand
International flights in and out of New Zealand are in the process of being suspended after the country declared a Level 4 (its highest) alert over coronavirus.
UK nationals have been advised to contact their airline, travel provider, and insurance company for the latest information. The British High Commission has also released a contact form where you can leave your details to be contacted regarding any upcoming flights as well as details of the lockdown in the country.
Australia
There are still flights out of Australia, but the numbers are decreasing.
Those who are currently booked onto British Airways flights via Singapore will be allowed on to the flight, but they will need to remain on board the aircraft while it stops to refuel in Singapore.
British travellers hoping to leave have also been advised to register their situation with the British High Commission.
Fiji
Fiji has suspended all scheduled flights from Nadi Airport as of 26 March. From 29 March, all passenger travel to the outer islands is suspended.
For UK nationals who might be stranded, the British Embassy in Fiji will be posting updates about what to do next on their Twitter and Facebook pages.
Argentina
Argentina is closing all of its borders between 27 and 31 March, with all scheduled flights suspended. The FCO said there may still be some "exceptional routes" back to the UK via another country. However, international flights are only departing from Buenos Aires at the moment.
Aerolíneas Argentinas is operating some domestic flights from tourist areas to the Argentine capital. You can also drive, get a taxi or use public transport.
However, as well as your passport and proof of a booked flight, the FCO advises you carry a copy of the letter issued by the Ministry of Tourism confirming that foreign nationals are exempt from the quarantine if they are travelling to return to their country of origin and a letter issued from the British Embassy confirming that you should be allowed to travel. If you are met with any resistance while trying to access the airport, you should contact the British Embassy on +54 11 4808-2200.
The FCO is also advising those wishing to leave to contact them via email on returnfrom.argentina@fco.gov.uk, with full name(s), passport details, date(s) of birth, exact current location in Argentina and contact details.
Peru
Peru closed all borders from 16 March until at least 12 April. There’s a flight ban to and from Asia and Europe from 16 March for 30 days.
Four repatriation flights have already landed in the UK. The UK government said it is still working on securing flights home for those who are stranded.
British nationals who want to leave should contact help@fco.gov.uk with their full name, location and best form of contact (ideally email address).
If flights become available, those who have logged their details will be contacted. Details will also be posted to Twitter and Facebook.
Ecuador
International flights into Ecuador are suspended until at least 5 April and all land and sea borders are closed at present.
The FCO said: "There are currently no further scheduled flights from Ecuador. The UK will therefore operate a special flight from Quito and Guayaquil on 4 April for British tourists, short term visitors and their direct dependants to return to the UK."
It adds that it is likely the last flight for some time and will cost £500 per person. It is bookable on the CTM website.
British nationals in the country should email the British Embassy in Quito on britishembassy.quito@fco.gov.uk for a safe passage document to get to the airport.
Bolivia
All international flights to and from Bolivia are suspended, and land border crossings closed.
There will be a special flight from El Alto airport, La Paz, on 4 April for British tourists, short term visitors and their direct dependants to return to the UK. The FCO said this is likely to be the last flight for some time, and costs £500 per person. It is bookable on the CTM website.
British nationals who are stranded in the country have also been asked to contact lapaz.escalations@fco.gov.uk to register their interest for details of other flights.
Colombia
There are no commercial flights out of Colombia for the time being. UK nationals hoping to return are asked to register their interest for a repatriation flight by emailing Bogota.Escalations@fco.gov.uk.
El Salvador
There are now no planned flights from El Salvador according to the FCO. British citizens hoping to return to the UK are advised to follow the British Embassy in San Salvador on Twitter.
Belize
Belize closed all borders on 21 March, including the suspension of international flights. There are currently no routes out of the country according to the FCO.
British travellers in the country are advised to email the British High Commission in the country on brithicom@btl.net with their email and phone numbers.
Grenada
There are currently no commercial flight options out of Grenada. The FCO has advised that the government is working on solutions but in the meantime, you should "follow the advice of local authorities, including local measures to help minimise your risk of exposure to coronavirus, find accommodation that’s suitable for your needs, keep in regular contact with family and friends at home, so they know you are safe and well".
Bahamas
There are currently no direct flights to the UK or Europe from the Bahamas. You may be able to get an indirect flight home via the US, but the US Embassy has advised that these are stopping imminently.
While the UK government is seeking alternative options, it has advised British citizens to register their interests via email on ukinthe.bahamas@fco.gov.uk.
Trinidad and Tobago
There are currently no commercial flights out of Trinidad and Tobago, with a flight ban in place for an indefinite period of time.
The FCO has said: "If you are a British National and you received an entry stamp in your passport which will expire within the period 1 March 2020 - 30 April 2020 you will be granted an extension until 22 June 2020.
"British nationals should send an email to extensions.international@gov.tt with a scanned copy of the biodata page of your passport, a copy of your last entry stamp, your address in T&T and a contact number."
Dominica
Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport and Cane Airport are closed to commercial flights from 26 March. The FCO advises UK nationals in the country to contact their airlines if they want to leave.
Panama
Commercial airlines have ceased operating from Panama until 22 April. British nationals have been advised to "seek accommodation for the duration" by the FCO and there are currently no repatriation flights planned.
Costa Rica
There are currently no commercial flights in and out of Costa Rica.
The FCO is looking into chartering a bus to Nicaragua, where you can catch a flight to Mexico City on 4 and 5 April before connecting to London. Those interested are asked to email Consular.CostaRica@fco.gov.uk.
Antigua and Barbuda
Commercial flights to the UK from VC Bird International Airport will be temporarily suspended from 29 March.
British Airways' last flight out will be 29 March, until April. Virgin Atlantic's final flight out will be 28 March, until 12 April.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has suspended all international flights. There are some limited “ferry flights” to repatriate foreign nationals.
The last direct flight to the UK from the Caribbean island has already departed but the FCO advises that Britons can transit via the US or Canada to get home, provided they meet all the criteria.
Egypt
All flights in and out of Egypt are currently suspended until at least 15 April.
Any possible repatriation flights will be shared on the British Embassy in Cairo’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. You should also register your interest via email Cairo.Press@fco.gov.uk.
Tunisia
All flights in and out of Tunisia have been suspended since 17 March.
The UK will operate a special flight from Enfidha Airport on 31 March for British tourists, short term visitors and their direct dependants to return to the UK. The tickets will cost £135 per person and only those who are normally resident in the UK will be eligible to book a seat on the flight. Tickets are bookable on the CTM website.
South Africa/Lesotho
South Africa is closing its air space from 26 March until at least 16 April.
The FCO has advised those affected to contact their airlines first.
The same advice applies to Lesotho as it's only possible to leave the country via South Africa.
Nigeria
Nigerian airports are now closed to international air traffic until 23 April. However, the UK government is exploring flight options. British citizens hoping to return to the UK are advised to email their interest to Consular.Lagos@fco.gov.uk along with their name, email address, mobile telephone number, location, and any other relevant information.
Ghana
Ghana's borders are closed between 23 March and 5 April.
The UK government will be operating a series of special charter flights from Accra for British tourists, short term visitors to Ghana and their direct dependants to return to the UK. However, these are now fully booked. The FCO hopes more options will become available in future.
Cape Verde
There are now no commercial flights out of Cape Verde but European repatriation flights may be available.
The FCO advises contacting the Consular Assistance Line on +44 1908 516666.
Kenya
Kenya suspended all international flights from 11.59pm local time on 25 March.
There are currently no scheduled flights from Kenya, and the FCO has warned UK nationals still hoping to return not to "expect any additional flights immediately". However, the UK government is still working with the Kenyan government and airlines on the possibility of special flights.
UK nationals are advised to email returnfromKenya@fco.gov.uk with full name, passport number, date of birth, place of residence in UK, where you are currently staying in Kenya, email address and telephone number that can receive calls from international numbers and any specific medical needs/vulnerabilities.
Mauritius
There are currently no commercial flights from Mauritius to the UK. While the UK government is currently working on ways to get UK nationals home, it has said that those in the country on a tourist visa won't need to extend their "leave to stay" period during the confinement period.
Namibia
There are currently no commercial flights, or long distance trains and buses, in or out of Namibia. Any British nationals should register their presence in the country with the British High Commission on general.windhoek@fco.gov.uk.
Senegal
The flight ban in Senegal has been in place since 20 March. There are some commercial flights with special permission still operating.
For UK nationals wishing to leave, the FCO has said any outbound flights will be posted to the British Embassy in Dakar’s Twitter and Facebook pages. It is also working on repatriation flights, and those interested should contact ukinsenegal@fco.gov.uk.
Algeria
International flights, land borders and ferry services to and from Algeria have all been suspended. British citizens hoping to return have been advised to contact the British Embassy in Algiers via email on algiers.consular@fco.gov.uk.
Angola
All commercial flights in and out of Angola have been suspended but ad hoc charter flights may become available. You should email Embassy.LuandaGeral@fco.gov.uk to register for these.
Cameroon
There are currently no commercial flights out of Cameroon to the UK. Repatriation flights may become available at short notice and the FCO has advised British nationals to register their interest on ConsularYaoundeEnquiries@fco.gov.uk.
Mauritania
All flights to and from Mauritania have been suspended and land borders are now closed. The British Embassy in Nouakchott is not currently offering any consular support, and British nationals in the country have been asked to contact the British Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, instead.
Eritrea
Asmara International Airport is closed for a minimum of two weeks from 25 March and there is no viable means to leave the country at the moment according to the FCO.
British nationals who are hoping to leave should register their details by calling 07 546 959. The British Embassy in Eritrea will also be providing updates on Facebook and Twitter.
The Gambia
There are currently no commercial flights out of the Gambia. UK citizens are asked to register there interest for repatriation flights by emailing ukingambia@fco.gov.uk.
South Sudan
There are currently no commercial flights out of South Sudan to the UK. The FCO said: "All international commercial flights are suspended for 30 days from 24 March and all land borders closed."
There have been a small number of chartered flights arranged by Ethiopian Airlines, although the most recent on 2 April was cancelled at short notice.
Liberia
Commercial flights out of Liberia have been suspended until at least 14 April.
UK citizens interested in repatriation flights should email Monrovia.GeneralEnquiries@fco.gov.uk with full names, dates of birth, British passport numbers, phone and email, date of arrival in Liberia, date of planned departure from Liberia and details of any Liberian passports held.
Sierra Leone
There are currently no commercial flights out of Sierra Leone.
UK citizens interested in repatriation flights are asked to email FreetownCV19Travel@fco.gov.uk with full names, dates of birth, British passport numbers, phone and email, date of arrival in Sierra Leone, date of planned departure from Sierra Leone and details of any Sierra Leonean passports held.
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