SAA Repatriates Thousands of Stranded Nationals from South Africa

South African Airways (SAA) is involved in the ongoing repatriation of thousands of foreign nationals to reunite them with their families in their respective home countries, after getting stuck in SA by the national lockdown, which came into effect at midnight on 26 March 2020.

SAA acting General Manager for Operations Tebogo Tsimane said “we are pleased to assist and will continue to work with foreign governments – through their respective embassies and high commissions – in the repatriation of their nationals to re-join their families to share comfort, support and strength during these trying times”.

His comments came following the latest repatriation – of 313 Canadians – from Joburg and Cape Town to London on Friday, for onward connections to Canada.

SAA has already repatriated thousands of German, Brazilians and Belgian nationals over the past two weeks.

In response to the pandemic, SAA suspended all domestic, regional and international flights.

These repatriation flights require among other things, the approval of the South African government to implement.

Acting High Commissioner of Canada to South Africa, Kim Butler said: “We know how important it is to be home in these challenging times. We are very happy to be working with SAA and the Government of South Africa to organise this special flight that will allow many Canadians to make their way home,” said the High Commissioner.

Friday’s flight was operated in collaboration with the Canadian government, in line with the health and safety provisions contained in the South African travel regulations, and other relevant provisions undertaken during the lockdown, as well as Transport Canada regulations.

“SAA has taken all measures to ensure that the airport staff, cabin crew and flight deck crew are safe and protected by providing the appropriate training and protective clothing as approved by the Communicable Disease plan,” said Tsimane.

Screening protocols were conducted before the flight’s departure. – SAnews.gov.za