#airpartner Virgin reopens SA-UK route after a 5+month delay. The airline will resume operating passenger flights three times a week between London Heathrow and Johannesburg OR Tambo from June 24. The airline says the schedule will be published shortly, with the first flight carrying passengers from Johannesburg will operate on June 26. Despite the movement of passengers now being permitted, the 10-day pre-booked quarantine requirement in the UK for ‘Red List’ arrivals still stands (including for returning Brits).
A jubilant Liezl Gericke, Virgin’s head Middle East, Africa and India, said the airline was delighted to now be able to fly passengers to London and back, even though no SA tourists could visit the UK right now. “Only those repositioning and holding study, work or residence permits may enter the UK from SA,” she said.
South African govt allows international travel to & from SA for any purpose, including tourism, the UK advises against all but essential travel to SA based on the assessment of COVID-19 risks. But Liezl said there was a good appetite in the UK for travel to SA & the provision of direct flights would certainly make a difference for British folk who have second residences in SA, or who want to take longer stays.
Red-listed travellers on entry at Heathrow must enter through dedicated red-listed T3, have a COVID negative PCR test result (within 72hrs of departure), have completed an online passenger locator form & must have pre-booked, prior to departure, accommodation at a managed quarantine facility. This incl. those who have transited through SA.
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Jonathan Gerber Joelene Roberts Gavin Stevens Kim Parker Gillian Hurford Nadine Morley Henry Annandale
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