Repatriation flight touches down: There’s no place like home – Watch

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Repatriation flight touches down: There’s no place like home – Watch

4:06 CAT | 30 Jul 2020

Photo: Miramar

Mozambicans stranded in Portugal by Covid-19 were among the more than 100 passengers who arrived from Portugal on Wednesday.

The general picture was one of tearful eyes, families eager to hug their loved ones again, masked faces … and joy at being home again.

Some of those on the humanitarian flight had been stranded in Portugal for more than three months. The total complement was 114 passengers, mostly students.

Families started gathering at the airport from 6:00 a.m., long before the flight was due to arrive. Mothers, fathers, grandparents and cousins, all unable to contain their impatience.

Amélia Matola has been separated from her daughter for four months, and says that she would only accept that her daughter was well when she again looked into her eyes.

Her anxiety was shared by Conny Epier, who was waiting for her sister, whom she had not seen for eight months.

This mother arrived at the airport early, despite having no family members in Portugal. She was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the flight, which would bring medicine for her sick daughter.

The arrival of the flight was meticulously prepared for. Passengers told our reporting team that an on-site health team did the necessary screening, following Covid-19 preventative measures. Only after all the control procedures were completed did the passengers emerge, one by one, to be reunited with their families.

Yassin spent a long time in Brazil. He managed to get to Portugal, and from there catch the flight that would bring him home.

Mussane could not hide his pleasure at finally returning to Mozambican soil.

The reunion of Mussane and family was an emotional, tear-filled affair.

The special flight was promoted by Mozambique Airlines LAM.