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Air India Rescues 149 Stranded Passengers from Dubai in First Crisis Flight

Air India successfully operated its first rescue flight from Dubai, landing in Delhi with 149 stranded passengers. A separate flight also brought back 143 stranded crew members of Air India and Air India Express. The airline's operations teams worked continuously to coordinate these special flights under challenging conditions. Air India is monitoring the situation to operate more flights pending necessary approvals.

Key Points: Air India First Flight Rescues 149 from Dubai Amid Crisis

  • First Indian airline rescue flight
  • 149 passengers brought to Delhi
  • Crew rescue flight also operated
  • Round-the-clock coordination by airline
2 min read

149 stranded passengers return home as Air India operates 1st rescue flight from Dubai amid Middle East crisis

Air India operates first rescue flight from Dubai, bringing home 149 stranded passengers amid the Middle East situation. Read details.

"This is the first flight operated by an Indian carrier for the homecoming of passengers amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East. - Air India statement"

New Delhi, March 3

India's national carrier Air India on Tuesday brought back 149 stranded passengers from Dubai as part of special operations amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

The flight, AI916D, landed safely at Delhi Airport at 10:58 am IST, according to the airline.

The aircraft, bearing registration VT-EDC, carried a total of 149 passengers who had been stranded in Dubai due to the prevailing circumstances in the region.

This marks the first flight operated by an Indian airline to bring back passengers during the current crisis in the Middle East.

"Air India welcomes back stranded passengers from Dubai on flight AI916D that landed at 1058 hrs IST at Delhi Airport. The aircraft, VT-EDC, ferried a total of 149 passengers," the airline said in a statement.

"This is the first flight operated by an Indian carrier for the homecoming of passengers amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East," it added.

Earlier in the morning, another special flight, AI918D, brought back 143 cockpit and cabin crew members of Air India and Air India Express who had also been stranded in Dubai.

They arrived safely in Delhi, providing relief to the airline and their families.

Air India said its Operations Control Centre and supporting teams have been working round the clock to make these flights possible under extraordinary conditions.

The airline ensured close coordination with all concerned authorities to carry out the operations smoothly.

The airline expressed gratitude to the Indian Government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and local authorities in Dubai for their support and cooperation in enabling the safe return of passengers and crew members.

Air India said the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remain its top priority. The airline added that it is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with Dubai Airports and other relevant authorities to operate more flights at the earliest, subject to necessary approvals.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Only 149 passengers? There must be hundreds more stranded. Hope they operate many more flights quickly. The families must be so worried. Speed is crucial now.
A
Aman W
Respect to the ground staff and Ops team working round the clock. It's not easy coordinating such flights in a crisis. But the ticket prices for these rescue flights should be reasonable, not exploitative.
S
Sarah B
My cousin was on that flight! Our whole family is so relieved. Thank you to everyone involved. The uncertainty was the worst part. Now hoping all other Indians can return soon.
V
Vikram M
Good start, but other Indian carriers need to step up too. Why only Air India? IndiGo, Vistara, and others should also be part of such missions. We need all hands on deck.
K
Karthik V
The crew rescue flight is equally important. They are also someone's family. Glad they are back safe. Hope the airline provides them proper support and rest after such a stressful situation.

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