9 May 2020

Four flights will allow stranded residents to return to Samoa

2:41 pm on 9 May 2020
Low fog delays and cancels flights at Wellington Airport Tues 21st Jan 2020.

Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

Samoa's government has approved four Air New Zealand flights into the country this month.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told Radio 2AP he knows of more than 900 people who are wanting to return to Samoa, either because they're stranded or because their New Zealand permits have expired.

Samoa's border has been closed since early March, and no inbound travel has been allowed.

Anyone wanting to return to Samoa will have to have a Covid-19 test at least three days before they leave, and will be quarantined for 14 days on arrival.

Anyone wanting to travel from Samoa to New Zealand will be subject to Covid-19 quarantine measures.