A Wimbledon boy has been left stranded in Cambodia after all flights were cancelled following the coronavirus outbreak
Jack Lane-Brownsword went travelling with a few mates in January but decided to come home early a little more than a week ago due to the fear that this very thing may happen.
But after booking the earliest possible flights home with Emirates - due to leave March 25 - they became stranded when all their flights were cancelled.
"The British Embassy offered little to no advice and we were not even welcomed into the building," he said.
"We were left in 37 degree heat outside, whilst trying to wrestle information from them.
"We spent over 2 hours outside the Embassy and encountered a number of other Brits in the same situation - cancelled flights and left with no alternative option or compromise."
He says they were eventually let in but were met with a barrage of "I don't knows" and "we can't helps".
"We have since booked alternative flights with Cathay Pacific, at more cost, but just 2 hours after booking these flights, Hong Kong - our transit location - has announced the closing of its borders for all, including transit passengers," Jack added.
"Stumped once more and having spent over £1500 on unsuccessful flights, we’re running out of ideas, and money even quicker.
"I hope this story sheds some light on our terrible situation and that it can be echoed for those in similar situations."
He along with seven other British citizens are now pleading with the British Government to help bring them back to the UK.
"We are aiming to try and create a simplistic situation - fully appreciating the strain, demand and accumulation of those that are also trying to discover answers to this difficult scenario.
"We are doing our best to try and create a solution for ourselves and all of those that are also in the same, agonising situation."
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said: “We recognize British tourists abroad are finding it difficult to return to the UK because of the unprecedented international travel and domestic restrictions that are being introduced around the world – often with very little or no notice.
“The FCO is working around the clock to support British travellers in this situation to allow them to come back to the UK.
"The Government is seeking to keep key transit routes open as long as possible and is in touch with international partners and the airline industry to make this happen. Consular staff are supporting those with urgent need while providing travel advice and support to those still abroad.”
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