South Africa tour of India 2019
Air India Operates First Rescue Flight from Dubai, Brings Back 149 Stranded Passengers
In a significant relief effort amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India successfully repatriated 149 stranded passengers from Dubai to New Delhi on Tuesday. The special flight, AI916D, landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 10:58 am IST, marking the first evacuation operation conducted by an Indian carrier during the ongoing regional crisis.
The aircraft, registered as VT-EDC, was deployed under extraordinary circumstances as airspace disruptions and heightened security concerns left several Indian nationals stranded in key transit hubs. Air India confirmed that the operation was coordinated closely with government authorities and aviation regulators to ensure passenger safety.
Earlier in the day, another special service, flight AI918D, brought back 143 cockpit and cabin crew members of Air India and Air India Express who had also been stranded in Dubai. Their safe return provided operational relief to the airline amid mounting logistical challenges.
The airline stated that its Operations Control Centre worked round the clock in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and airport authorities in both countries. It also expressed gratitude to the Government of India and Dubai authorities for facilitating the emergency operations.
Air India emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority. The airline is continuously assessing the evolving situation and remains in close contact with Dubai Airports and other stakeholders to operate additional rescue flights, subject to regulatory clearances. Further repatriation services may be scheduled depending on developments in the region.
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