105 Britons fly back to London from Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Around 105 stranded British nationals in different parts of the Visayas departed for their home country yesterday from Mactan-Cebu International Airport via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

According to Avigael Ratcliffe, communication manager of GMR-Megawide, the flight was arranged or organized by the British Embassy for their stranded nationals.

She said that the Philippine Airlines flight departed yesterday at 7 a.m. yesterday with 105 passengers.

Daniel Pruce, British ambassador to the Philippines, announced via the British Embassy Manila Facebook page that the embassy was organizing a number of special flights on April 7.

“We are doing so in partnership with Philippine Airlines-PAL, as part of the British Government's global programme of special return flights,” the ambassador said.

He added that early morning on Tuesday, four PAL sweeper flights will leave from Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Siargao and will come to NAIA in Manila, then will connect with two PAL aircraft which will then fly on to London Heathrow.

London Heathrow is a major international airport in London, United Kingdom.

In its website, the UK government has warned its citizens around the globe against traveling in the face of the pandemic.

“As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) advises British nationals against all but essential international travel,” the advisory on the government’s website read.

“Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available. Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving,” it added.   JMD (FREEMAN)