FCC

6,037 Indians Return from Abroad in 31 Flights Under Vande Bharat Mission

2020-05-12

A total of 6,037 Indian nationals were evacuated to the country in 31 inbound flights operated by Air India and Air India Express under Vande Bharat Mission in five days since the initiative commenced on May 7.

Described as one of the largest exercises of its kind, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with Ministry of External Affairs and state governments for bringing Indians back to their homeland in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air India along with its subsidiary Air India Express are operating a total of 64 flights (42 by Air India and 24 by Air India Express) to 12 countries, viz. the US, UK, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE and Malaysia to repatriate 14,800 Indians back in the first phase.

According to a government release, care is being taken to strictly adheres to the safety and hygiene protocol laid down by the government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).