A Port Macquarie couple remains stranded in Peru and have urged the federal government to immediately organise flights home.
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Merinda Kyle and Bryan Hocker were in Lima to attend a family wedding.
The couple, who have already paid for return flights, have been angered by Qantas' stance of advising them to purchase additional tickets at a cost of $5000. The couple say the carrier should honour their existing return tickets, given the current worldwide situation.
They were left isolated after the Peruvian government announced a shutdown for 14 days effective on March 16. The shutdown included changes to international flights across its borders.
Peru has also introduced a nationwide curfew between 8pm and 5am.
The couple booked their holiday through Qantas and Latam Airlines and the shutdown has effectively meant they are unable to leave the country.
But Ms Kyle has called on the federal government and Qantas to organise a flight for nationals similar to those organised by the governments of Canada, Germany and Israel.
"The latest that we know is that the Australian government and a private tour company are trying to organise a charter flight to get us out," Ms Kyle said.
"But the $5000 ticket price is not going to help a lot of people.
"Bryan and I can't afford that money up front. So for people in our situation, it is no use. It is useless for the government to say that's the plan," she said.
"We have already paid our return flights with Qantas but they are only offering us a flight voucher to be used in the future.
"That is useless to us and other travellers in this instance."
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Ms Kyle said she was also frustrated that the Australian embassy had shut down leaving a lack of genuine assistance and communication.
The couple say they took all necessary steps including registering with Smart Traveller and trying to make contact with the department of foreign affairs and trade. They also contacted Cowper MP Pat Conaghan.
"Whatever we do, it doesn't appear to be working or making a difference," Ms Kyle added.
The couple estimates there are about 180 Australians in and around Lima affected by the travel restrictions. They have joined a social media site "to get a handle on how many Australians are stranded here".
"But there are other Aussies in more isolated and remote areas of Peru. People are genuinely stuck here," she said.
Mr Conaghan said he sympathises with the plight of the North Shore couple with the border closures due to the spread of COVID-19.
"My office has advocated on their behalf with the department of foreign affairs and trade," he said.
"The Australian government is working directly with the Peruvian government, like-minded embassies, airlines and travel companies, to identify and facilitate travel options for Australians.
"Our discussions include cooperation with the travel company, Chimu Adventures, regarding the company's plans for a chartered flight.
"The embassy has been seeking the necessary permissions from the Peruvian government for flights to occur.
"Given the impact of restrictions arising from coronavirus across the world, and specifically in Peru, we understand that this is a difficult situation for travellers.
"We strongly recommend that Australians follow the directions and advice of local authorities and continue to monitor both www.smartraveller.gov.au and the Australian Embassy's social media in Peru."
Ms Kyle urged the Australian government to pressure the national carrier to provide a return flight "because Qantas is being bailed out by the taxpayers".
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