For thousands of Indian nationals stranded in Australia due to the Covid 19 lockdown, the news from Indian Link that Air India will soon start its evacuation flights from 21st May was welcome news. Our information came from a reliable source and was verified by two additional independent sources as all good journalism demands.
On a global basis, the evacuation of Indians trapped globally in various countries is being hailed as the world’s largest evacuation which will bring 1.8 million home.
Over the course of the last 24 hours, a number of queries have been raised by many people. A notice from the High Commission of India has clarified some of the issues.
Flight dates and schedules: In phase 1, there are seven flights being confirmed. Four from Melbourne and three from Sydney, over a week. All will land in Delhi as the first stop. Two will then proceed to Amritsar, one each to Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Cochin and Hyderabad. Sydney flights will depart at 9.45 am, Melbourne flights at 8.45 am
Process: The Indian High Commission has had on their website a form which all those wanting to be evacuated need to complete. This application due date was 10th May. The High Commission will email the shortlisted passengers who then can contact the Air India office. The list of the shortlisted passengers will be shared with the Air India office who will then issue the tickets. Any adjustments or refunds from previous tickets will be dealt with directly by Air India. All passengers will undergo mandatory screening for Covid 19 before being allowed to board.
Compulsory quarantine: Like for all travellers arriving back to Australia, the Indian nationals returning to India will have to undergo 14 days of quarantine.
Indian Link will report on more developments as they come at hand.
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