Hi,

Yes, this flight requires repatriation paperwork and approval from various parties and are currently the only flights out. They are very limited. That is why they are all full. They are odd flights as they are the ‘return’ segment of the inbound SA government repatriation charters.

They are operated as a normal full service, but with embassy approvals required. The ticket was indeed purchased via the QR website as this is the process for these flights. You also have to obtain the embassy approval to travel and can’t just rock up without it.

My issue however is an airline one, not an embassy one. The flight is today. It’s heavily oversold so as remarked before, pleased to have any seat at all. The circumstances are extremely unusual so I don’t hold QR responsible for any failing. Just wishing not to pay the extra for business class, as not travelling in business class. Or, if it can’t be refunded, be credited for the future.