India began its repatriation effort on May 7th, bringing those citizens with ‘compelling reasons’ for assistance, as deemed by the government. This meant the focus is on the elderly, pregnant women, stranded students, and those with visa issues and at risk of deportation. According to the government, 68,000 people fall into this category. However, there are still thousands who are hoping to come home.
Currently, the government is flying from 12 countries: USA, UK, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE, and Malaysia. These are countries with large Indian populations and explains why they were chosen for the initial efforts. Flights are also being operated to several Indian cities, creating regional hubs for further transport.
As India’s flag carrier, it is no surprise that Air India is operating these repatriation flights. Of the 64 flights, Air India is operating 42 and Air India Express, its subsidiary, is operating the other 24. Air India’s fleet of widebody and narrowbody aircraft allows it to fly to all of the 12 countries from India nonstop. The airline uses a fleet of 747s,777s, 787s, A320s, while Air India Express uses only 737s.
While the first phase of repatriation flights wrap up today, India is not done yet. The country has already announced Phase 2 of the repatriation effort. Moreover, this effort will be broader, targeting 31 countries on four continents. India will add Nepal, Nigeria, Ukraine, Belarus, and several other countries to the list. The second phase will be between 16th and 22nd May, with 149 flights, bringing back over 30,000 people.
13/05/20 Syd Sharma/Simple Flying
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Currently, the government is flying from 12 countries: USA, UK, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE, and Malaysia. These are countries with large Indian populations and explains why they were chosen for the initial efforts. Flights are also being operated to several Indian cities, creating regional hubs for further transport.
As India’s flag carrier, it is no surprise that Air India is operating these repatriation flights. Of the 64 flights, Air India is operating 42 and Air India Express, its subsidiary, is operating the other 24. Air India’s fleet of widebody and narrowbody aircraft allows it to fly to all of the 12 countries from India nonstop. The airline uses a fleet of 747s,777s, 787s, A320s, while Air India Express uses only 737s.
While the first phase of repatriation flights wrap up today, India is not done yet. The country has already announced Phase 2 of the repatriation effort. Moreover, this effort will be broader, targeting 31 countries on four continents. India will add Nepal, Nigeria, Ukraine, Belarus, and several other countries to the list. The second phase will be between 16th and 22nd May, with 149 flights, bringing back over 30,000 people.
13/05/20 Syd Sharma/Simple Flying
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