AI Flight Off To Ukraine To Bring Back Indians, More Planned
New Delhi, Feb 22: Amid heightened tensions and deepening Russia-Ukraine crisis, Air India on Tuesday flew its special flight to bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine.
This is first of the three flights Air India announced last week to operate between India-Ukriane (Boryspil International Airport).
The flight took off from Delhi at 7.30 am and is expected to return full by 10.15 pm. The next flights to the conflict-ridden country are scheduled on February 24 and 26. An airline executive told UNI that more flights may be operated next week to facilitate return of Indians from Ukraine.
The action comes hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin was reported to have ordered troops to Ukraine after last night recognising breakaway regions. Putin ordered the deployments in to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine after recognising them as Independent on Monday, accelerating the crisis.
France, Germany and US among others have expressed deep concern over the move that could multiply tension across Europe. India had last week advised its citizens to leave crisis-hit Ukraine as threat of a possible Russian military action loomed large.
“All Indian nationals whose stay is not deemed essential and all the Indian students, are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily. Available commercial flights and charter flights may be availed for travel, for an orderly and timely departure,” the advisory had said.
It had asked Indian students to get in touch with respective student contractors for updates on charter flights. A large number of Indians especially students are awaiting return to the homeland in the wake of lingering conflict.
