Home a flight of fancy
Cairns man stranded in UK after dad’s funeral
A CAIRNS hospitality trainer granted an overseas travel ban exemption to visit the UK when his elderly father suddenly died has been stuck in limbo after being bumped from multiple return flights.
Trinity Beach resident Christopher Parker joins an estimated 23,000 Australians stuck overseas due to coronavirus border restrictions.
A weekly return traveller cap of 4000 passengers rolled out on July 10 has meant fierce competition for Aussie expatriates wanting to come home.
Mr Parker left the country on June 30 and felt confident of returning home on a flight slated for July 29.
“I know there are thousands of Aussies trying to get back but I left on compassionate grounds and had a return flight booked, so why was I not on it?” he asked.
He was bumped from that flight after the returning passenger quota was reached that week.
He was bumped from another flight on August 1 and forced off a third flight set to take off on September 7.
“It’s so frustrating and not good for my stress,” he said.
“My partner is frustrated but at least she knows I am with my mother (who) is now feeling guilty that I came over,” he said.
Return traveller caps are being assessed at fortnightly National Cabinet meetings but are scheduled to remain until October 24.
Mr Parker’s partner Mandy Nielson was irritated by airlines flying with low passenger loads while so many Australians overseas were desperate to get home.
“The planes are flying empty, if it wasn’t for the freight they wouldn’t be able to fly at all,” she said.
To maximise the chance of getting home Mr Parker has now shelled out $5200 for a business class flight due to depart the UK on October 25.
“But it’s still not guaranteed, I will just move up the wait list,” he said.
When returning home Mr Parker will be forced to pay a hotel quarantine bill worth about $3000.