Results for Travel

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. Tonga Police and military will cordon off the restricted areas from noon on September 2 until midnight on September 18.

A second repatriation flight planned from Auckland to Tonga on August 25 has been suspended until further notice, Tonga's MEIDECC ministry advised this afternoon, after they were advised that one Tongan in New Zealand had been tested positive.

The first repatriation flight that was expected to arrive in Tonga from Fiji tomorrow afternoon, Saturday July 11, has been postponed until Monday, according to airline sources.

The 50 passengers to board the first repatriation flight from Auckland to Tonga will probably be selected next week, confirmed MEIDECC CEO, Paula Ma’u today, 17 June. “If that goes well, it depends on health and their analysis on whether we will increase the number and even the flights.” Otherwise at that rate, with about 7,000 Tongans overseas who want to return to Tonga, it might take years to repatriate everyone and quarantine will be costly. By Eleanor Gee.

An opportunity for at least 50 Tongans to return home amid the struggle to keep Tonga free from the novel coronavirus, was announced by the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, this afternoon 12 June.

Air New Zealand services to Tonga and other Pacific countries such as Fiji, Samoa, Rarotonga, New Caledonia and French Polynesia, could resume to one return service from Auckland per week, if the travel restrictions currently in place around passenger services are lifted, the airline announced today.

An Air New Zealand flight bringing medical equipment from Auckland to Tonga on Thursday, 23 April has been approved to leave the Kingdom with passengers confirmed Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei today.

International flights to Tonga have been barred up to 12 June according to a diversion order issued by the Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola. The order is to prevent the introduction, or spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to Tonga.

Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are currently not permitting international flights, but if these restrictions end, Air New Zealand is likely to operate one return service per week from Auckland, the airline stated today.