‘Specially approved’ repatriation flights to India likely

‘Specially approved’ repatriation flights to India likely

There is a glimmer of hope for stranded Indians in the UAE to be repatriated to their home country during the coronavirus crisis as the Indian civil aviation regulator is considering 'specially approved flights'.. Indian officials and missions in the UAE have remained non-committal on when these flights would be introduced, but the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) circular is an indication that emergency flights ferrying Indians from the UAE and Gulf may be allowed before the lockdown in the country is lifted.. India has extended the lockdown until May 3, and stranded expats in the UAE, or residents who wish to go home due to financial concerns, will express a sigh of relief when these flights are introduced.. The restriction will not apply to international all-air cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.. "Furthermore, according to reports in Indian media, the Central government has also instructed Indian state governments to be prepared to welcome all those who wish to return, earlier than expected.. The report said pregnant woman and children, those suffering from other illnesses, and elderly will be given first preference.. The South Indian state has already identified at least 250,000 quarantine rooms for returning NRIs