Second evacuation flight to bring Australians home from Nepal amid coronavirus lockdown

A second flight to evacuate Australian citizens and residents stranded in Nepal amid the coronavirus lockdown is being organised after the government in the Himalayan nation decided to extend its ban on all domestic and international flights by a further 20 days last week.

Source: AAP

The government of Nepal has banned local and international flights until at least May 15 as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Peter Budd, says the embassy is working with Nepal Airlines for a second flight to Sydney on May 6, more than a month after 257 people were flown to Brisbane on a direct flight from Kathmandu.

Returning passengers from a special Nepal Air flight repatriating Australian and New Zealanders from overseas, arrive at Brisbane airport, April 2, 2020. Source: AAP

In a social media post, Mr Budd said the flight is being organised as there is “no prospect of normal flights recommencing anytime soon.” 

The embassy says people who have registered their interest to fly back to Australia will be contacted directly by Nepal Airlines.

Stranded Australian citizens wave to journalists as they get ready to move to Tribhuvan International Airport during the ninth day of the nationwide lockdown. Source: AAP

Ambassador Budd has advised Australians to leave so Nepal government can focus on the welfare of its people. 

‘Safety and security of Australians during this COVID-19 pandemic is our priority,’ he says.

The first evacuation flight from Nepal arrived in Brisbane on 2 April with Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens onboard. The passengers were then placed into hotels for a mandatory 14-day quarantine. 

In a social media post after the first flight, Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne thanked her Nepali counterpart Pradeep Gyawali for his “strong support in helping Australians and New Zealanders return home from Kathmandu.”

The travel agency used for the first evacuation flight has had its payment stopped by Nepal government pending further investigation over media reports of alleged corruption.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

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