New government partnership with airlines to fly back more tourists stranded abroad

I know many constituents have been in touch with concerns about family members who are overseas. I know the Foreign Office is working hard to assist in the face of unprecedented travel restrictions. So I am pleased to see the Foreign & Commonwealth Office announce a new government partnership with airlines to fly back more tourists stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The government is focused on getting Brits home through a twin-track approach:

(1) Airlines recognising their responsibility for transporting their passengers with pre-booked tickets home, through offering them alternatives where routes are cancelled, allowing them to change tickets, where permissible – including between carriers – and offering them the latest information and advice as the situation changes

(2) Where commercial routes do not exist, the government will provide up to £75 million financial support to enable special charter flights to fly to priority countries to bring back UK residents

The Foreign Office is best placed to help those stuck overseas, and the first point of contact should always be with the nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consular Service.