Air France – KLM Welcomes Government’s Decision To Reinstate International Travel; Remains Committed To Flying Safely Amid Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
After the announcement from President Cyril Ramaphosa on 16 September that South Africa will be entering lockdown level one and that restrictions on international travel will be eased, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are set to resume their commercial flight schedule to and from South Africa as of 1 October 2020.
Schedule as per 1 October 2020 – Air France
Schedule as per 1 October 2020 – KLM
*Denotes European Summer timing
Wouter Vermeulen, General Manager: Southern African Region at Air France-KLM says that the aviation industry is both pleased and relieved by the announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa about the reopening of borders and that Air France – KLM is committed to ensuring a safe flying experience for all passengers and crew once commercial aviation is reinstated on 1 October 2020. “We are very happy with the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that scheduled flights can resume shortly. Over the past few months, Air France – KLM have been actively involved in a series of repatriation flights which have been critical in assisting passengers who needed to travel during the travel restrictions. But now that the borders are open again, we are very excited to resume commercial operations to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town.”
Vermeulen adds “These flights will operate in the same manner as the repatriation process, with thorough safety measures in place both on the ground and on-board our aircraft. Passengers and crew will be required to wear a mask for the duration of the flight, we will have additional hand sanitisers on board and ensure ample sanitation of the aircraft to ensure thatour passengers and crew feel safe and secure during their flight and have peace of mind. Now that we are allowed to take to the skies for commercial flights, we look forward to welcoming our passengers back on board and contribute toward the revival and success of the aviation business and tourism industry in South Africa.”
Air France – KLM advises passengers travelling internationally, either from or to South Africa, to familiarise themselves with and comply to the COVID-19 regulations and travel restrictions in order to permit them to travel.
Commercial policy
When international commercial aviation restarts, passengers who have booked a repatriation ticket with Air France or KLM and who may not have flown or used their ticket yet, will be able to use the full value of the ticket and buy commercial tickets. Passengers who hold a commercial ticket will be able to use the value of their tickets on commercial flights.
Travel vouchers issued by Air France and KLM during the crisis are valid for a future flight booking and the added value will be up to 15% - depending on the price of the new ticket and actual dates of booking and travel. Customers who redeem their travel voucher for a new ticket with a higher total fare than the original voucher amount will receive an added value from Air France and KLM of up to 15% of the voucher amount.
In case of flight cancellations made by Air France or KLM, customers will be still able to choose between rebooking on a commercial flight, a voucher or a cash refund for their flight. Customers who already received a voucher and wish to opt for a cash refund, can do so.