Stranded citizens homebound
A GROUP of 20 South Africans stranded in Panama are set to return to home after last-minute negotiations ensured they would reach Brazil in time to catch their SAA repatriation flight, while 12 other South Africans will remain behind because of flight cost issues.
The group will fly from Panama to Sao Paulo in Brazil and then catch a connecting flight to Joburg between Monday and Tuesday.
According to online publication SA People, the South Africans have been stuck in Panama for the past few months due to the Covid-19 pandemic prompting governments across the world to implement stringent lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus.
A South African man, known only as Andre, created a Whatsapp group to connect all South Africans stranded in Panama, SA People reports.
According to a press statement issued by the group, getting to Brazil turned into a nightmare.
“There are no flights to and from Brazil and won’t be any until the supposed opening of the airport in Panama at the end of the month. We are approaching 90 days since lockdown was implemented, with restrictions having only been lifted slightly for a few days and there are already talks about going back to a very strict lockdown. We need to get out,” Andre said earlier.
Copa Airlines, Panama’s national carrier, informed the group of 32 people that they were able to assist them in getting home. The group includes elderly people, people who are ill, families and children.
According to the group, the Boeing 737-800 came at a very high cost and they could not raise the money required to charter the flight. But after a lot of negotiation and back and forth communication, Copa Airlines decided to open the flight. The agreement with the group changed from chartering the entire plane to paying per passenger.
This will be SAA’S second repatriation flight from Brazil. The first was at the beginning of the pandemic. Panama City airport remained closed to normal operations.
Andre said, due to financial issues, only 20 out of the 32 South African’s will be returning home this time.
“Without the unimaginable assistance and dedication received from many volunteers, we would not be going home. Copa Airlines have really come through for us. We are very grateful for the understanding and commitment they have shown.”
The group worked closely with the South African embassy in Mexico and the returnees are due to take off on Saturday evening. There will be a 36-hour stopover in Brazil, and the group will be placed in quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in South Africa.
“The South African embassy in Mexico has been incredible during this entire experience. The South African expat community in Panama has also assisted us tremendously,” Andre said.