The national carrier, Maldivian, has repatriated nationals from Mauritius and South Africa back to their countries from the Maldives.
The airline made the first stop in Mauritius where it refueled before heading to Johannesburg, South Africa. In a chartered flight, Maldivian carried 40 South Africans and 11 Mauritians to their respective countries.
The Honorary Counsel of South Africa Mohamed Ali said the government of South Africa requested the government of Maldives to repatriate South African nationals unable to travel from the Maldives due to the global travel restrictions.
The national carrier stated several countries are requesting to operate chartered flights to carry their nationals back from the Maldives. However, Maldivian revealed priority is given to bring back Maldivians stranded in foreign countries and unable to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, Maldivian has evacuated locals from India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.