The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Catriona Laing said on Wednesday that the evacuation of over 4, 000 Britons residing in Nigeria and showing interest to leave the country will begin on Saturday, April 18.
In a statement issued on by the senior press and public affairs officer of the high commission, Mr. Christopher Ogunmodede, the high commissioner said the British government had made arrangements with British Airways to run charter flights from Nigeria.
The first flight is scheduled to depart Lagos and Abuja Saturday afternoon.
The high commissioner stated that the fare for the flights “will be just under £500,” adding that a firm, Central Travel Management, had set up a dedicated webpage for Nigeria and a 24/7 hotline to reserve and pay for tickets.
“I’m really pleased to tell you that we have now made arrangements with British Airways to run charter flights for us from Nigeria.
“The first flights will depart this Saturday the 18th of April, and the flight departure times are 15:10 from Lagos and 15:35 from Abuja. Of course, the exact times could be subject to change.
“We’ve made arrangements with a company called Central Travel Management which have set up a dedicated webpage for Nigeria and a 24/7 hotline to reserve and pay for tickets. The price for these flights will be just under £500 (N242, 000),” the high commissioner stated.
To be eligible for these flights, she said the high commission said interested individuals have to be a British citizen resident in the United Kingdom, noting that it would be prioritising vulnerable people.
“When you book, you will be asked for your passport details and a UK address and we will be doing eligibility checks.
“I should also say that making a booking does not automatically guarantee you a seat on the first flight, but if you are eligible you will be transferred to a subsequent flight,” she added.
She advised intending travellers to go to the airport with their ticket and if stopped at checkpoints, “show that to security personnel and make it clear that you are going to the airport to take a repatriation flight to the UK.”
