New Delhi (NVI): The Government of India is operating special flights to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, under Vande Bharat Mission. Till now, 8,503 Indians have flown back to the country in 43 inbound flights, the Ministry of Civil Aviation today said.
The citizens have been brought back to in flights operated by Air India and Air India Express in the last 6 days, under the mission which commenced on May 7, 2020.
The government started Vande Bharat Mission – one of the largest initiatives to repatriate nationals back to India – on May 7, 2020. Under this mission, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with Ministry of External Affairs and the state governments to carry out the evacution.
Air India along with its subsidiary, Air India Express, is operating a total of 66 flights (42 by Air India & 24 by AI Express) to 12 countries viz. USA, UK, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE and Malaysia to repatriate 14,800 Indians back in the first phase.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation in a statement said, “Each and every function in this massive air evacuation mission strictly adheres to the safety and hygiene protocol laid down by the Government and DGCA.”
“MoCA, AAI and Air India leave no stone unturned to prioritize the safety of passengers, the crew and ground handling staff in these sensitive medical evacuation missions. Extensive and meticulous safety arrangements are made in accordance to government guidelines,” the ministry added.
