110 repatriated from NZ, more seasonal workers for Australia

110 repatriated from NZ, more seasonal workers for Australia [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 - 16:35. Updated on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 - 16:45.

Repatriated passengers exit Air New Zealand aircraft at Fua'amotu International Airport, 31 March 2021. Photo: Tonga Police

A repatriation flight with 110 passengers arrived in Tonga from Auckland, today, while, more seasonal workers are expected to depart for Australia later this evening.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau confirmed the number of people repatriated from Auckland this afternoon. This flight included passengers who were supposed to arrive on the flight that was cancelled on 3 March due to the Auckland COVID-19 lockdown.

All repatriates will spend 21 days in quarantine at the Tanoa Hotel and Makeke Camp.

The Auckland flight also brought Tonga's first doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine in cargo.

Seasonal workers

Meanwhile, another flight from Brisbane, Australia is expected to arrive later this evening without passengers.

Dr Fotu Fisi’iahi CEO for the Ministry of Internal Affairs said this flight is to pick up seasonal workers.

Last week on Thursday, 25 March, 143 seasonal workers left Tonga for Australia on a chartered flight.

On 1 April, more passengers will be repatriated from Fiji on a Lulutai Airlines aircraft, chartered by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints.

Tonga [2]

repatriation flight [3]

NZ [4]

Australia [5]

seasonal workers [6]

Health [7]