Stuck in New Zealand due to coronavirus

Extended family (2 adults, 2 kids) is currently stuck in New Zealand because of the coronavirus. Their original return flight was cancelled. They are German citizens.

They now say they don't have any possibility to leave the country since all countries where a transfer would have to occur would not let them in, not even airside transfer! Is this true?

If not, what would prevent them from buying an AKL-MEL-DOH-FRA ticket? This seems to be the only possible and viable option that prevents immigration along the route or landing in another Schengen country before. Also, Qatar seems to be the only airline that is still flying from that area and directly into Frankfurt.

Or are the special return flights announced by the German government their only chance to come home?

Best Answer

Have they looked at the German Embassy site for New Zealand?

The first link of that page leads to the Covid-19: Informationen für Reisende page that gives details about the present situation.

Have they registred in the ELEFAND as well at the www.rueckholprogramm.de?

the latter is needed so that the Embassy knows who needs help

Hierfür gilt unverändert: Eine Registrierung bei der Krisenvorsorgeliste „ELEFAND“ ersetzt nicht die Registrierung bei www.rueckholprogramm.de

Without this information the Embassy will not know who needs help, nor be able to plan for the needed capacities.

The return program (Rückholaktion) is expected to take up to 2 more weeks (2020-03-27 06:47) for most cases. More difficult cases (peaple in isolated areas) may take longer. Source: Liveblog zur Corona-Krise

I have another EU nationality, not German. Can I fly too?
For people who have another EU nationality, we will try to find a solution within the capacities.

Sources