British passengers from Grand Princess on US flight to the UK

British passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship are returning to the UK on a US flight. The flight, carrying 135 British nationals and their dependents, departed Oakland Airport at 2315 local time, and is expected to arrive in Birmingham Airport early this evening.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said:

The safety, health and welfare of British nationals is always our top priority, and we have been working tirelessly with the US authorities to ensure all British nationals who wished to return could do so.

Background

• Princess Cruises has arranged travel for passengers from Birmingham airport to their homes.
• All British nationals will be required to self-isolate for 14 days in line with Public Health England guidance.