In addition, the flight also carried South African nationals that were permitted by the embassy to enter their intended destination for the purpose of work, study, to take up permanent residency or to receive medical treatment abroad.
The repatriation flight was serviced by a Lufthansa Airbus A340 with all cabin classes fully booked. In total 278 passengers were on board.
"Given the imposed travel ban on international commercial flights to and from South Africa, we are glad that Lufthansa was able to successfully operate this repatriation flight, for German and European citizens returning home to their families and friends as well as for South Africans needing to go abroad.
"I would like to assure our customers that The Lufthansa Group remains committed to the South African market and looks forwards to resuming flight services between South Africa and its hubs in Germany, Switzerland and Austria once the local travel restrictions have been lifted," says Dr André Schulz, general manager sales, Lufthansa Group, Southern Africa & East Africa.
German Ambassador Dr Martin Schäfer added: "I am glad that Lufthansa’s German blue crane has returned to Southern Africa. We cherish the excellent and trustful cooperation in our joint effort to get German and European citizens back home, under really challenging circumstances. I sincerely hope that this will slowly, but surely be a new beginning for safe and convenient travel between South Africa and Germany.’"
"Lufthansa would like to thank the Germany Embassy in Pretoria as well as the German consulate in Cape Town for their successful collaboration. The Lufthansa Group is a crucial part of the infrastructure of the Federal Republic of Germany as a key transport provider to citizens and international travellers alike," concludes Schulz.
