Border-blocked South Africa Return to Japan by local Japanese charter flight April 24, 5:10
In South Africa, the borders have been blocked and passenger aircraft have stopped operating, but there has been an increasing demand among Japanese stationed in Japan to return to Japan, and Japanese companies have taken the lead in arranging charter flights.
In South Africa, to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, since 27th of last month, restrictions have been placed on the outing of the entire country and borders have been blocked, and passenger aircraft are now operating.
As a result, Japanese people stationed in Japan who are unable to return to Japan are increasingly concerned about their lives and medical systems due to the longer restrictions, and there are growing calls for charter flights.
In response, local Japanese companies will play a central role in arranging charter flights and departing for Japan on the 24th.
The charter flight is scheduled to arrive at Narita Airport on the afternoon of the 25th after refueling in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa from the major city of Cape Town through the largest city of Johannesburg using passenger airlines of Ethiopian Airlines.
Approximately 150 people, including expatriates and their families who wish to return to Japan, will board the charter aircraft, and the cost will be borne by the user.
In South Africa, the number of infected people exceeds 3,600 and it is expected that the number will continue to expand, and the preparation of medical institutions and the maintenance of security are issues.