Hi, my wife and I arrived on 11th March, originally planned to return back to the UK on 8th April via Clark - Dubia to Birmingham on an Emerates flight. We did try to find a flight back when it was announced that all flights would end on 20th but couldn't find one from Clark and as we are in the Bulacan area couldn't travel to Manila as this area was in lockdown. I sure there are a number of members who are in a similar situation although I couldn't find any on the site. Does anyone know if there is any group on this site or any others that are discussing how to get back to the UK? The British Embassy don't seem interested, maybe because they don't know how many UK citizens are affected. Any ideas?
Saw something similar on sky news earlier, brits trying to get back to UK from Bangkok, lots of cancelled flights, they have ended up paying around £2500 each for business class from Bangkok, the other alternative was just hunker down and sit it out, but no timescale on that.
Similar case, Bangkok again. https://www-mirror-co-uk.cdn.amppro.../coronavirus-brit-couple-fear-theyll-21748604
That's what we are thinking of doing, we have our own house and it's on a fairly large plot, so not much chance of meeting someone who could infect us if we stay in our house. We have been under quarantine and providing temperature readings twice a day to the local barangay, who was concerned, as we've recently visited Tenerife. They asked us to fill in a questionair when we arrived. We've passed the temperature checks and due to get certificates that show were clear tomorrow. Not sure if the checks we had prove anything!
To be honest mate, you are probably as safe there as anywhere else at this moment in time. I wouldnt be wanting to be cooped up with anything between 200/300 others for 15 or so hours at this time, so my advice would be to stay as you are, if you have work back here Im sure your employer will be fully understanding about your predicament. So sit tight stay safe.
Good news Barry, the UK government have allocated up to £75 million quid to repatriated between 300,000-1,000,000 brits currently stuck in foreign lands.
On the news a moment ago it sounds like people will still have to contribute to the cost of the flights but it will be a reasonable amount, don't quote me I could have misinterpreted.
Thanks, I have contacted the Embassy after my brother informed me of the news, but surprised there was no specific link. My email has probably joined all the requests for help after running out of cash, losing passports, etc
If ever you find yourself stuck for whatever reason in the arse-end of nowhere on the far side of the planet having to get yourself out of a situation such as this £225 suddenly becomes a godsend owt is better than nowt
Updated on April 3, 2020: ***The airline said it “is compelled to” cancel the one-off flight to/from London Heathrow planned for April 4 in a statement posted on its website.*** Philippine Airlines will fly a single round-trip flight between Manila and London Heathrow on April 4 “in response to an urgent public need amid Covid-19 quarantine situation,” the airline said in a notice posted on its website. While the airline initially announced that it would pause all remaining international flights from March 26 until April 14 last week, it will now operate this one-off service to the UK to help stranded travellers return home. Dunno... if you read the update
I hadn't. Posted it when I heard it as thought it might be useful. Very disappointing although wonder why "compelled" to cancel.
I cannot understand why some people have continued in their travels, or disregarded iniatial Embassy and Government warnings to return home before all hell broke loose... It is common sense to me, to envisage the worsts case scenario, so in case it occurs, I am prepared and won't be panicking disappointed and blame other people. I am not chastising anybody on this thread, I am just trying to convey my personal take on happenings.