The Indian government has announced the start of repatriation flights for Indian nationals overseas wishing to return back home. The repatriation flights will start on Thursday 7 May, with two flights leaving from the UAE, one from Abu Dhabi and one from Dubai.
A statement confirming the repatriation flights said “The Government of India will be facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard.”
On its Twitter account the Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed the first repatriation flights will go to Kerala, with a flight to Kochi from Abu Dhabi and a second flight to Kozikhode from Dubai, both on 7 May. The list of those permitted to fly will be determined by the Indian mission, which will chose from the thousands of distressed Indian nationals who have requested repatriation. Those able to take a flight will have to pay for their tickets and medical screening before each flight will be carried out.
More flights to other destinations will be announced in due course.