Amid the ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East, Air India launched a special flight to safely repatriate 149 Indian nationals stranded in Dubai. The special flight landed at Delhi airport on Tuesday morning.
According to the airline, flight AI916D landed safely in Delhi at 10:58 am (Indian Standard Time). The aircraft, with registration number VT-EDC, was carrying 149 passengers who were stranded in Dubai due to regional conditions. This is reportedly the first rescue flight operated by an Indian airline during the Middle East crisis to bring back stranded passengers.
Air India stated that its Operations Control Center and support teams are working around the clock to ensure flight operations under challenging conditions. The airline also clarified that close coordination is maintained with all relevant Indian and foreign authorities.
The airline thanked the Government of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local authorities in Dubai for their cooperation in ensuring the safe return of passengers and crew.
Air India reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority. It said it is continuously monitoring the situation and exploring options to operate additional special flights to Dubai and other affected areas as soon as necessary approvals are received.
This operation demonstrates that in times of crisis, the Indian aviation system and government agencies are working in a coordinated manner to ensure the safe return of citizens.