Government-chartered flight for overseas Koreans in Italy departs for Milan... Arriving in Incheon on the 1st of next month

First Charter Flight Transports Over 310 Passengers... Second Rome-Bound Charter Flight Scheduled to Depart on the 31st

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The first government-chartered flight to transport overseas Koreans from Milan, Italy, departed for the local area on the 30th. The flight is expected to carry 310 passengers. The second chartered flight, departing for Rome, is scheduled to leave on the 31st.

Song Se-won, head of the government rapid response team, said before departure, "There are about 310 overseas Koreans boarding in Milan, but the number may change depending on the situation," adding, "We will ensure that citizens wishing to return home can do so safely."

The rapid response team consists of seven members, including Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff. Overseas Koreans boarding the chartered flight will undergo a fever check by Korean medical personnel before ticketing and an additional second fever check just before boarding. To prevent the spread inside the aircraft, masks will be distributed to all passengers, and hand sanitizer will be provided in the restrooms.

Transported overseas Koreans will undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Korea. If confirmed positive, all will be quarantined in facilities for 14 days; if no cases are confirmed, they will be placed under self-quarantine for 14 days.

Aside from transporting overseas Koreans from Italy, it has been confirmed that the government is not arranging additional chartered flights for other countries. A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told reporters, "Currently, there are no direct charters or arrangements other than Italy," explaining, "There are movements to return from several countries including Myanmar, the Philippines, Madagascar, Panama, India, Vietnam, and Nepal, and we are providing the best assistance through overseas diplomatic missions."

Meanwhile, the first flight that departed for Milan, Italy, is expected to arrive at Incheon Airport at 2 p.m. on the 1st. The second flight departing for Rome is reported to arrive at 4 p.m. on the 2nd.