Two repatriation flights are scheduled to arrive at Fua’amotu International Airport tomorrow, Wednesday, from Fiji and Kiribati confirmed Ministry of Health CEO, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola.

He said around 60 passengers are arriving from Fiji and "seven from Kiribati on a different chartered flight on Wednesday too". They are mostly stranded Tongan travellers as well as students and others.

Dr ‘Akau’ola said all repatriated passengers from Fiji need a negative CoViD-19 test before boarding.

“For passengers from Kiribati, if [the CoViD-19] test is available - it will be good for them to do it before boarding. If not available, a health certificate will be OK."

Dr 'Akau'ola stressed that "Kiribati is still CoViD-19 free".

In Tonga “All passengers from Fiji and Kiribati are tested on arrival before they get quarantined for 14 days followed by one week home quarantine for added safety. And of course, they will all be tested on day 14 before release from quarantine facility,” he said.

The passengers will stay at the Tanoa Hotel for the first 14-days of quarantine.

Meanwhile, another repatriation flight by Solomon Airlines to Tonga from Honiara and Port Vila, Vanuatu, is scheduled for Saturday 5 September.

This flight will then fly directly from Tonga to Australia, providing an opportunity for foreign nationals in Tonga to return to their home countries.

Repatriation restrictions

Tonga Police advised this evening that repatriation restrictions will be in force at Fua'amotu International Airport and the Tanoa Hotel tomorrow, Wednesday 2 September. Members of the public are prohibited from entering the airport terminal from 12:00 noon on September 2 to 12:00 midnight on September 18. the restricted areas will be marked with police and military cordon lines and road blocks, under powers conferred by sections 37 and 39 of the Emergency Management Act. The restrictions do not apply to employees and essential staff at the locations.