Bajans in UK to return home

Several Barbadians stuck in London during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic are reportedly scheduled to return to Bridgetown this week on a special flight.

Barbados TODAY understands that at least one of a British government-led chartered flight bound for Barbados to repatriate its nationals who are here back home, would be coming on Wednesday with the Barbadians.

While the UK government is responsible for the flights to take its citizens home, the Barbados High Commission in London and the Barbados authorities have been able to get access to those flights on route to Barbados so Barbadians wanting to come home could do so.

The flight is scheduled to leave London on the morning of June 3. It was not immediately clear how many passengers would be on the flight.

The Barbadians wanting to make the flight from London to Bridgetown had to seek permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and they have received the greenlight based on humanitarian grounds.

They will also be responsible for their “special” one-way fares.

Efforts to reach a representative of the Barbados High Commission in London were unsuccessful. However, a message informing Barbadians in London of the development has been confirmed by Barbados TODAY.

“The Barbados High Commission at London is pleased to announce that it has been successful in negotiating access to seats on a British Airways charter to Barbados, leaving London on Wednesday June 3, 2020 at 11:20 a.m.,” the message stated.

Listing the agencies and contact information, it pointed out that British Airways had “instituted special one-way fares which are exclusively available through four agencies”.

Calling on the anxious Bajans in London who are interested in being repatriated, the note asked that they contact one of the travel agents as soon as possible.

“We understand the anxieties that you may have experienced in the uncertain COVID-19 environment and wish you an enjoyable journey home, while urging you to stay safe,” it read.

Individuals have been receiving their ticket confirmation for the flight.

It is expected that upon return to the island, the Barbadians will be quarantined.