Delta flights for US nationals - Royal Gazette

Jonathan Bell

Published Mar 21, 2020 at 10:19 am (Updated Mar 21, 2020 at 10:43 am)

Four relief flights for American citizens to leave Bermuda have been organised for today through Tuesday.

Delta Air Lines will fly between LF Wade International Airport and Atlanta, Georgia, after negotiations between the Bermuda Government, Skyport and the United States Consulate.

The Ministry of Tourism and Transport announced the extra flights this morning.

While the trips have been set up for US nationals, the public will be notified if opportunities for Bermudian students and residents to return home arise.

A spokesman for the ministry said flight crew arriving from Atlanta will remain on board the plane and depart with the outbound passengers.

Constance Dierman, the US Consulate General, said this morning that starting today, Delta flight 656 will leave Bermuda at 3.45pm to Atlanta, arriving at 6.10pm.

One daily flight will be available.

Ms Dierman said US citizens wishing to return to the United States were “urged to arrange travel on one of these flights”.

She said about 8,000 Americans reside in Bermuda, with roughly 9.1 US citizens abroad.

Ms Dierman added: “The Department of State advises US citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of Covid-19.

“US citizens who normally live in the United States and are visiting Bermuda should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain on the island for an indefinite period.

“Additionally, US citizens who live in Bermuda should avoid international travel.”

Zane DeSilva, the transport minister, said the situation in the US “mirrors that of Canada, with many nationals stranded outside their home country and unable to secure a flight back home”.

US 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.

Ms Dierman said US citizens’ welfare was her highest priority, and she extended thanks to the Bermuda Government.

American citizens are encouraged to enrol in Step, the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme, to receive security updates, at https://step.state.gov/

The Consulate also posts regular updates on its website at bm.usconsulate.gov and social media sites: facebook.com/usconshamilton, twitter.com/usconshamilton

Ms Dierman said the local US Consulate had fielded “a moderately low volume of calls and e-mails?from Americans requesting information about their options”.

She added: “Many are following information posted on websites, social media, and government announcements.

“The Government of Bermuda has?been working around the clock to provide as much information as possible to the public about Covid-19. The protective measures that have been put in place help protect all those in Bermuda from the spread of the virus.”

Ms Dierman threw her support behind the protective measures and guidelines issued by the Bermuda Government.

“I strongly advise everyone to follow the wise instructions regarding social distancing and to self-quarantine as advised,” she said.

“Be conscious about your surroundings, and wash your hands frequently.

“I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to the many Government officials, health professionals, immigration officers, and private citizens who have been working together around the clock to address Covid-19 to ensure the health and safety of all in Bermuda.”

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