[Updated] The Government, Skyport, U.S. Consulate and Delta have arranged for flights between Bermuda and Atlanta on March 21, 22, 23 and 24, and “U.S. Nationals wishing to return can book these flights through Delta.com.”
Government Statement
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Tourism and Transport advises that the Bermuda Government and Skyport, through negotiations with the U.S. Consulate and Delta Air Lines, has arranged for U.S. Nationals to be flown home.
“Delta will operate relief flights between Bermuda and Atlanta on March 21, 22, 23 and 24. The flight crew arriving from Atlanta will remain on board the plane and then depart with the outbound passengers.
“The public will be notified if opportunities for Bermudian students and residents to return home arise.”
“U.S. Nationals wishing to return can book these flights through Delta.com or by using the FlyDelta app. Delta advises that there are very long waits for those wanting to book a flight by telephone.”
“The situation in the U.S. mirrors that of Canada with many nationals stranded outside their home country and unable to secure a flight back home,” said Minister of Tourism and Transport Zane DeSilva,
“Fortunately, due to the joint efforts of the Bermuda Government, the Airport and Civil Aviation Authorities, Skyport, U.S. Consulate and Delta, we can successfully reunite Americans in Bermuda with their loved ones.”
U.S. State Department
Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department issued a “Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel” — which is the highest level of their four tier system — saying, “The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.
“In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.”
Update 8.12pm: Government Statement
A Government spokesperson said, “The public will recall an earlier release advising that the Bermuda Government and Skyport, through negotiations with the U.S. Consulate and Delta Air Lines, successfully arranged for U.S. Nationals to be flown home. The release also advised that the Public would be notified should opportunities for Bermudian students and residents to return home becomes available.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Transport can advise that Bermudian students and residents can now book a return flight from the U.S. on Delta Air Lines departing from Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow, Sunday, 22 March only.
“It is critically important that only Bermudian citizens and legal residents book these flights and carry with them the necessary documentation for entry into Bermuda.
“Individuals that are neither citizens nor legal residents of Bermuda will be denied entry into the country.
“Bermudian residents wishing to return can book these flights through Delta.com or by using the FlyDelta app. Delta advises that there are very long waits for those wanting to book a flight by telephone.
“The public are also advised that the Department of Immigration is liaising with the airlines servicing the island to ensure the children of work permit holders can return to Bermuda.
“Those Work Permit Holders whose children will return to the island tomorrow should immediately contact the department by sending an email to the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Danette Ming, [dwming@gov.bm] providing the child’s full name and date of birth along with the Full name of the parent holding the work permit.
“Considering the time constraints and to help this opportunity reach all who may benefit, members of the public are asked to share this information with their family, friends, work colleagues and on social media to ensure the information is widely distributed.
“As a reminder, Every returning resident will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days to help limit any possible spread of COVID 19. Should any person not have the ability to effectively self-quarantine at their residence, facilities have been identified to accommodate them. A comprehensive health declaration form is required to be completed for returning residents. The form will be required to be completed upon arrival or can be completed in advance: forms.gov.bm/covid19.
“For more information, the Ministry of Health has provided the public with accurate, reliable information regarding COVID-19.”
Update March 22, 11.07am: The U.S. Consulate said, “There has been a change to the availability of Delta flights for U.S. Citizens. Please note that U.S. Citizens seeking to travel from Bermuda to the United States are encouraged to purchase a ticket for the Delta Air Lines flight today, March 22. This is now the only available flight from Bermuda to the United States, until further notice.”
The flight leaves in a few hours, so if you are a U.S. citizen who wants to get on it, you clearly need to rush….right now.
