The first repatriation flight since the Covid-19 lockdown has departed for Tonga, carrying 150 passengers.
Air New Zealand's flight NZ970 departed Auckland for Fua'amotu International Airport a little later than scheduled on Tuesday morning.
Due to arrive in Tonga at approximately 1.30pm local time, those onboard will be the first Tongan citizens to arrive from New Zealand since border restrictions were put in place.
All passengers have been tested for Covid-19 prior to departure, requiring a negative result four days before travel.
![The Air New Zealand Dreamliner is the first flight to Tonga since borders closed in March. Photo / 123rf, Aleks Taurus](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ACSZLPMJCXBODXCPDBQ4YJ2NEE.png?auth=dd3e2be5ac97baa320e64a00e366be80a731334b585a227af4f49fe60f85e7fb&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)