Pacific / French Polynesia

Eighth Covid-19 relief flight arrives in Tahiti

16:50 pm on 22 June 2020

Another 194 people have been flown to French Polynesia on a French government-sponsored relief flight from Paris - the eighth such flight since the Covid-19 related shutdown of air services.

Photo: Supplied

The French High Commission said the Air Tahiti Nui plane carried stranded residents, students and patients who had completed their care in France.

All travellers had tested negative for the coronavirus 72 hours before leaving France and were obliged to be isolated for two weeks after their arrival.

The flight also carried 75 cubic metres of freight, including medical supplies, mail and helicopter spare parts.

These weekly flights will continue until early July when Air France and Air Tahiti Nui restore the Paris to Papeete link.

Until mid-July arriving passengers will need to isolate for seven days.

After that date, people testing Covid-19 negative are allowed to visit French Polynesia without requiring to be quarantined in an effort to revive tourism.