AIR NZ HELPS US OUT

Airline goes to, from Nadi to assist in repatriating Fijians.

Air New Zealand has begun services to and from Nadi Fiji to assist the Fijian government in repatriating Fijian citizens.

Flight NZ952 took off from Auckland just after 11am on Friday with Fijian passport holders on board, bound for Nadi, arriving in Fiji just after 2pm local time.

A return service is also expected to repatriate New Zealanders who have been in Fiji since the coronavirus (COVID-19) travel bans were implemented.

The repatriation flights to Fiji are being carried out in accordance with the travel advice issued by the Government of Fiji.

Quarantine

On arrival in Fiji, all passengers are required to enter a government-designated quarantine facility for 14 days and will then be required to complete a further 14 days home isolation.

Air New Zealand’s country manager Fiji, Zeena Sahib, said the airline was happy to be supporting the Fiji Government

with the safe return of Fijians.

“There are a number of Fijian passport holders who have been in New Zealand for an extended period of time due to COVID-19 related border restrictions.

“Air New Zealand is very pleased to be assisting the Fijian government with ensuring their safe return home.”

Closed borders

Despite these flights, it should be noted that the New Zealand border is still currently closed to almost all travellers to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The travel ban applies to all arrivals into New Zealand whether it is by air or sea.

New Zealand citizens and residents returning to New Zealand may travel to New Zealand, and do not need any formal exemption.

If the New Zealand resident visa was granted outside of New Zealand and the holder is travelling to New Zealand for the first time on that visa, or the resident visa has expired travel conditions, the travel ban is applicable.

There are a limited number of exceptions for other travellers who should seek approval from Immigration New Zealand before travelling.