The operation repatriated 7,200 people from around the world.
Keystone / Walter Bieri
Switzerland’s historic repatriation effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic has drawn to a close with the last set of passengers arriving from West Africa.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ds
Español
es
Con vuelo desde África concluye histórica repatriación
Helvetic Airways, on behalf of the Swiss foreign ministry, brought home 100 travellers from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The plane touched down in Zurich late on Wednesday.
Eight crew members – three pilots, four cabin crew and one mechanic – all volunteered to complete the special mission.
The flight marks the end of operation #flyinghome, the largest repatriation campaign in Swiss history, which started on March 22 as international travel decreased on account of the Covid-19 virus.
The operation repatriated 7,200 people from around the world: nearly 4,100 Swiss nationals and 3,100 nationals from other countries. Two-thirds of the non-Swiss were Europeans. Another 1,500 Swiss nationals returned home on flights organised by other countries.
More
More
Covid 19: Switzerland earmarks CHF400 million for international aid
This content was published on
Half of the funds will go to the Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross as an interest-free loan.
This content was published on
In 1985, five European states laid the foundations for a common area without border controls. Switzerland joined in 2008.
This content was published on
Swiss politicians from across the political spectrum have called on the government to protect minorities in the face of continuing attacks in Syria.
Swiss court rejects appeal to release funds linked to former Ukraine regime
This content was published on
Swiss Supreme Court rejects appeal to unfreeze the assets of people linked to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss airlines to get almost CHF2 billion corona aid boost
This content was published on
The Swiss aviation sector, including the airlines SWISS and Edelweiss, is set to receive financial aid to help it overcome their current liquidity crisis.
Switzerland to relax certain entry restrictions from May 11
This content was published on
The backlog of applications made by non-Swiss citizens to work or rejoin family in Switzerland will be processed from this date.
Swiss take aid to Africa as part of Covid repatriation flights
This content was published on
Switzerland has delivered humanitarian supplies to Kinshasa before repatriating tourists stranded in central Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.