Researchers Evacuated From Bangui to USA During COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

International SOS chartered a flight for four researchers from Cornell University from Bangui, Central African Republic to the United States. Commercial flights were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Problem

Four researchers were stuck in Central African Republic after the government closed the borders. Commercial flights were canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Solution

Our client called International SOS for assistance with charter flight options out of Central African Republic. We used our regional knowledge to identify where the researchers could travel via charter flight to then get more economical commercial flights back to the United States. Our Johannesburg Assistance Center chartered a plane to Bangui. This is where the researchers were able to take onward commercial flights back to the US. 

Impact

We identified the most efficient and economical way to securely evacuate the researchers from the Central African Republic and return them safely to their families in the US.