First phase of repatriation begins

New Delhi, May 7

India’s first phase of evacuating its stranded citizens got off today with two flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The maiden flight from Abu Dhabi was delayed due to safety procedures, which temporarily inconvenienced passengers.

The flight from Dubai includes a group of 18 pregnant women, 12 elderly and five infants stranded at the airport for 50 days. Indian diplomats said there were no Covid cases among the nearly 300 passengers in the first two flights. However, all will be quarantined on arrival. Others who made it to the flights were medical cases and those rendered jobless. The Indian Missions have waitlisted passengers on all flights to replace those who may fail in medical screening or have immigration issues. India is sending 64 flights and two ships in the first phase. A naval ship has already docked at Male, Another is due to bring back Indians from Maldives. — TNS