Coronavirus has surpassed a global total of 740,000 cases. On Monday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced a partnership between the Government and airlines to repatriate Britons stranded abroad. Tens of thousands will be flown home using chartered planes. But which countries will be prioritised with this repatriation effort?

Mr Rabb announced new arrangements between the Government and airlines to fly tens of thousands of Britons home.

Airlines involved include British Airways, Virgin, EasyJet, Jet2 and Titan.

Mr Raab said those in countries where commercial options are still available should not wait, but book tickets home as soon as possible.

Where commercial flights are no longer running the Government will provide £75 million support for special charter flights to help British nationals back home.

He added vulnerable people will be prioritised for those flights.

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Mr Raab said: “Where commercial routes remain an option, airlines will be responsible for getting passengers home.

“That means offering alternative flights at little to no cost where routes have been cancelled.

“That means allowing passengers to change tickets including between carriers.

“So for those still in those countries where commercial flights are still available, don’t wait, don’t run the risk of getting stranded.

“The airlines are standing by to help you. Please book your tickets as soon as possible.

“Where commercial flights are no longer running the Government will provide financial support for special charter flights to bring UK nationals back at home.”

The Foreign Secretary added the UK Government is working with other governments to keep commercial flights working had so far helped get many Britons home.

This includes:

• 150,000 from Spain
• 8,500 from Morocco
• 5,000 from Cyprus.

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What are the priority countries for the special charter flights?

The Foreign and Commonwealth travel advice page reads: “Special charter flights will operate in some countries to help British tourists and short term visitors and their families to return to the UK.

“To see if you are eligible and to find out how to book, see the ‘Return to the UK’ section of for the travel advice page of the country that you are in.”

Special charter flights will appear on the travel advice pages on the FCO website here as and when they are arranged according to the Foreign Secretary.

British travellers who want a seat on those flights will book directly through a travel management company.

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