In a remarkable display of efficiency and coordination, Air India and IndiGo have successfully operated special flights to evacuate more than 400 individuals from Dhaka amidst the ongoing unrest in the Bangladeshi capital.
“An official reported that a special Air India flight carried 205 people, including six infants, from Dhaka to New Delhi on Wednesday morning.” This operation was conducted with an A321 neo aircraft, which departed New Delhi late Tuesday. The repatriation flight accommodated 199 adults and six infants, highlighting the urgent and delicate nature of the mission.
IndiGo also played a crucial role in this rescue effort. “In a statement, the airline confirmed that a special flight was operated from Dhaka to Kolkata on Tuesday to bring back Indian nationals.” This special flight, designated 6E 8503, was organized promptly in response to the temporary closure of Dhaka airport. A source revealed that the IndiGo flight transported over 200 passengers, showcasing the airline’s rapid response capabilities.
Despite the challenges posed by the sudden operation and the infrastructural issues at Dhaka airport, Air India managed to execute the evacuation flight at very short notice. “The flight took off from the national capital without any passengers, ensuring a swift and efficient turnaround,” according to an insider familiar with the operation’s logistics.
IndiGo has assured affected customers that normal flight operations between India and Dhaka are set to resume on Wednesday. The airline has proactively reached out to all impacted passengers, providing updates and alternative travel arrangements. Currently, IndiGo operates one daily flight from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai to Dhaka, along with two daily services from Kolkata.
Air India is also set to resume its scheduled operations to Dhaka, with two daily flights from New Delhi starting on Wednesday. Despite having to cancel its morning flight on Tuesday, the evening flight to Dhaka was successfully operated, ensuring minimal disruption for passengers.
Vistara, another major player in the Indian aviation sector, will continue its services to Dhaka as usual. The airline operates daily flights from Mumbai and three weekly services from New Delhi to the Bangladeshi capital. Like their counterparts, Vistara also had to cancel its flights to Dhaka on Tuesday due to the volatile situation.
The recent turmoil in Bangladesh, sparked by street protests over job quotas, has led to significant political upheaval. The unrest has forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee, plunging the country into a state of uncertainty. In light of these developments, the swift and coordinated efforts by Air India and IndiGo to evacuate Indian nationals underscore the critical role of the aviation industry in crisis response.
The successful repatriation of over 400 individuals from Dhaka by Air India and IndiGo is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the Indian aviation sector. As normal flight operations resume, affected passengers are encouraged to stay informed and make necessary travel arrangements. For the latest updates and travel advisories, please visit the official websites of Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara.
