Qantas and Virgin Australia resume flights for new government network to help stranded Aussies overseas

The Federal Government has announced a new flight network to help Australians stranded overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Working with Qantas and Virgin Australia, they've established four key international hubs for the next four weeks, including: London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Auckland.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the locations were selected based on being able to provide accessibility to the largest number of overseas Australians possible.

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"This is about getting Australians back home as soon as possible," Mr McCormack said.

"These flights will also provide much-needed freight capacity to Australian exporters and importers to these destinations."

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said many Australians would be able to reach one of the four destinations.

"They can do so knowing there will be an Australian airline to get them home," she said.

"We recognise that, in some cases, this will not be possible. We will continue to work closely with airlines and our overseas consular assistance network in these situations.

"Where there are no commercial options available, the government will consider supporting, on a case-by-case basis, non-scheduled services to other overseas destinations.

"We are continuing our constructive discussions with Qantas and Virgin on flights to less accessible destinations, including South America and the Pacific."