A little over a month ago, the Foreign Office was airlifting Brits out of quarantined Wuhan. But now with Europe and America grappling with the virus on home turf, the tables have turned. Planes leaving Heathrow and ultimately bound to China are packed full of anxious Chinese. Disappointed with the West’s coronavirus strategy, they believe they have better chances of survival inside China, the epicentre of the infection.
Tickets back to China are now going for twice or three times the normal rate, at the very least. A single economy seat will put you £1,500 out of pocket and that’s when you can find tickets at all. With global travel restrictions, 23 airlines have suspended their flights to China, including British Airways.
The problem has become so acute that entrepreneurial Chinese have been chartering private jets to fly back.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in