MSC Cruises has formally begun repatriating passengers from the Middle East through the use of charter flights, and is still talking to partner airlines regarding the wider use of commercial flights.
In a statement, the cruise line said: “MSC Cruises has been working on the safest and quickest way to repatriate our guests and has taken decisive action to accelerate this by launching a dedicated flight operation that currently includes five charter flights with the first flight planned to depart today, Thursday 5th March. These flights would see close to 1,000 guests leave the region by Saturday. In parallel, MSC Cruises is pursuing every available pathway for the remaining guests – including commercial flights, further charter options and coordinated government-assisted solutions.”
Earlier this week, MSC said it is working with airline partners in the region – particularly Emirates and Etihad – to identify return flights for guests.
