The repatriation process has come following the global COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed over 195 thousand people globally.

Malawi has also not been spared from the pandemic as it has registered 33 cases and 3 deaths as of Friday 24th April 2020.

The evacuation by the Department of State was on Voluntary basis.

Describing the repatriation process as a core obligation to the protection of citizens of the United States, U.S Ambassador to Malawi Robert Scott said the department of State is determined to prioritize the safety of its citizens.

"We are rising to meet the historic challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, every day, all over the world," he said.

Despite travel restrictions adopted by Malawi and other countries as a way of putting the pandemic at bay, the American Citizens departed from Kamuzu International airport at around 16:40 PM.

"This is an unprecedented effort to bring Americans home from all across the globe, including from remote locations and destinations with strict quarantine orders and travel restrictions.” Scott added.

The commercial flight is expected to connect to Dulles International Airport in Washington DC via Addis Ababa and Dublin.