Second direct flight to China delayed

A direct flight to Guangzhou, China scheduled for 24^th January has been delayed, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced.

He also revealed that the third and final flight to repatriate the remaining students from the Philippines which was to leave today is also delayed until the 21 of this month.

The first direct flight to China had been heavily opposed as the public feared it could bring in COVID-19. The flight did go ahead and the results of those arriving from China were negative.

Today Sogavare did not give details of the flight but he announced that the flight scheduled for Guangzhou on 24^th January will also be delayed as Solomon Airlines still had not received approval from the relevant authorities for the flight.

“We are also watching the COVID-19 situation in China closely. Our health team will advise on the best possible time to reschedule based on quarantine spaces available and their assessment of COVID-19 risk to the country.

Sogavare also confirmed that the 3^rd and final repatriation flight from the Philippines had been delayed to 21st January because the final paperwork for about 30 of the students were not ready for the original date of 11^th January 2020.

Meanwhile he said the third and final flight to Fiji having arrived last night. This flight also brought in 9 citizens from Kiribati.

He also announced that another repatriation flight arriving from Auckland on 17^th January 2021.

News@SBMOnline2020