More Australian citizens return home on a third flight from Dhaka

 The Australian High Commission in Dhaka has arranged a third flight to help Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families return to Australia.

A non-scheduled Sri Lankan Airlines flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on 10Wednesday, with 182 Australians and their families on board, said a press release.

The flight also carried two New Zealand citizens who will transit Australia to New Zealand.

 Since April 16, some 700 Australians have returned home with the assistance of the High Commission in Dhaka.

At the airport, Australian High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer farewelled departing passengers. A number of High Commission staff assisted to ensure the process went smoothly.

"We have been doing everything we can to help Australians to return home as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to be felt around the world.  We are grateful to Sri Lankan Airlines for helping us arrange this third flight.  We are also grateful for the generous assistance provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, local law enforcement agencies and airport officials," the High Commissioner said.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, the Australian Government has helped over 23,000 Australians to return home from overseas, including from cruise ships and by using one-off arrangements with commercial airlines.