India will launch the second phase of Vande Bharat Mission from May 16 to 22 under which Air India will operate 149 flights to bring back countrymen from 31 countries.

These will include several places where AI does not have regular flights to like Ukraine, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Nigeria. The other countries from where stranded Indians will be brought back include US, UAE, Canada, UK, Australia, Italy, France, Singapore and Russia.

Under phase-I, 6,037 Indians were flown back to India on 31 flights operated by Air India and AI Express in five days starting from May 7. 64 flights are being operated under phase-I to 12 countries including USA, UK, Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE and Malaysia to repatriate 14,800 Indians. The first phase of Vande Bharat Mission that will end on May 15.

The aviation ministry said in a statement that each and every function in this massive air evacuation mission strictly adheres to the safety and hygiene protocol laid down by the government and DGCA. Aviation ministry, Airports Authority of India and Air India prioritise the safety of passengers, crew and ground handling staff in these sensitive evacuation missions. Extensive and meticulous safety arrangements are made in accordance to government guidelines.

Source : APN