India Allows Private Aircraft, Charter Flights for Repatriation Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

India's Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for private aircraft and charter flights to repatriate stranded Indians and certain categories of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SOP outlines specific requirements for operators and passengers, including obtaining NOCs from Indian missions and state or union territory governments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SOP allows private aircraft and charter flights to repatriate stranded Indians and certain OCI card holders in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Only those registered with the Indian missions in the flight's country of origin can be carried on the flight.
  • Operators must submit flight details and a complete list of passengers, along with their personal details, to the Indian mission at least four days in advance and obtain an NOC recommendation.
  • Afi Ahmed, managing director of Dubai-based Smart Travel, plans to charter around 40 flights on behalf of various Indian community groups and companies in the UAE, at an average rate of Dh1200 to Kerala.
  • Tickets to Kerala are priced around Dh725 on special repatriation flights of Air India and Air India Express under the Vande Bharat Mission.
  • The Indian Consulate in Dubai has issued a public notice warning Indian nationals in the UAE against a potential scam pertaining to chartered repatriation flights.
  • The SOP includes guidelines and protocols for the handling of passengers, including seating arrangements, safety instructions for the cabin and flight crew, and disinfection procedures.
  • Passengers are required to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and use hand sanitizer throughout the flight.
  • In-flight entertainment will be switched off, and no non-essential items will be allowed on board.

Statistics:

  • 750 stranded Indian nationals waiting to board Air India flights in Dubai (as of May 26)
  • UAE-based Smart Travel plans to charter around 40 flights to repatriate stranded Indians (as of May 26)
  • Average rate of Dh1200 to Kerala on private charter flights (as of May 26)
  • Dh725 ticket price for Kerala on special repatriation flights of Air India and Air India Express (as of May 26)
  • May 24: Indian Ministry of Home Affairs permits international charter operations and operations by private aircraft to bring back stranded Indian nationals to India
  • May 22: Indian Ministry of Home Affairs allows certain categories of OCI Card holders to return to India
  • May 24: Indian Consulate in Dubai issues public notice warning against chartered repatriation flight scams

Sources:

  • [India's Ministry of Civil Aviation](https://www.indiacivilaviation.gov.in/)
  • [PTI Photo](https://www.pti.in/)
  • [Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com/)
  • [Twitter @cgidubai](https://twitter.com/cgidubai)