It’s on its way - the first of a series of repatriation flights has departed Auckland on its way to Apia as Air New
Zealand works with the Samoan government to return Samoan citizens home.
The service, operated on an Airbus A321A aircraft, departed Auckland at 9.05am today and is due to arrive in Apia at
1.40pm local time. Repatriation flights between the two countries are expected to be operating on a once a fortnightly
basis.
The repatriation flights are being carried out in accordance with the Travel Advice issued by the Government of Samoa. All passengers on the repatriation flights will need to take a Covid-19 test three
days before travel, and to carry proof of a negative result. Passengers are also required to hold a medical certificate
advising fitness to fly (no symptoms of illness).
On arrival in Samoa, all passengers will be required to enter a 14-day quarantine at locations nominated by the Samoan
Government.
To allow for appropriate social distancing onboard, and to ensure quarantine can be managed in Samoa, each of the
repatriation flights will transport a limited number of passengers.
Samoan residents in New Zealand who would like to register for repatriation to Samoa, are encouraged to contact the
Samoan Consular in New Zealand. Air New Zealand asks those already booked on a service for their patience as bookings
are worked through.
Air New Zealand’s Country Manager for Samoa, Karen Gatt says the airline is very happy to be supporting the Government
of Samoa with the safe return of Samoan residents to their homeland.
“There are a large number of people currently in New Zealand who would like to return to Samoa. Because of COVID-19 and
the resulting travel bans, for many of them there has been a substantial wait to be able to return to Samoa. Air New
Zealand is in the process of making contact with those customers and looks forward to assisting the Samoan Government
with facilitating their repatriation.”