Thirteen Repatriation Flights Arrive in Mumbai from Gulf Region
Mumbai witnessed a significant repatriation effort on Friday, with a total of 13 flights carrying Indian travelers stranded in the Gulf landing at the city's airport. These services originated from Fujairah and Dubai, marking a coordinated response to the ongoing challenges faced by citizens abroad.
Flight Operations and Airlines Involved
The arrivals commenced early in the day at 1:00 am and continued steadily until 5:50 pm. A diverse group of airlines facilitated this operation, including SpiceJet, Emirates, Air India Express, and flydubai. Specifically, SpiceJet operated seven flights from Fujairah and Dubai, while Emirates managed four flights from Dubai. Air India Express contributed one flight from Dubai, and flydubai provided an additional service from the same location.
Ongoing Flight Disruptions at Mumbai Airport
Despite the repatriation efforts, flight disruptions persisted at Mumbai airport throughout Friday. A total of 73 air traffic movements (ATMs), which encompass both landings and take-offs, were cancelled. This breakdown included 34 arrivals and 39 departures, indicating continued operational challenges in the aviation sector.
Appeals from Stranded Indians and Their Families
The earlier surge of appeals from Mumbaikars stranded in the Middle East on social media platforms has diminished to a trickle, but concerns remain palpable. On Friday, one individual, Shivam Sharma, directly addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "Due to the current Middle East war situation, my father is stranded in Dubai along with many other Indians. Families in India are very worried. (I) Kindly request urgent support and safe evacuation for Indians stuck there."
In another instance, Supriya Nale and Swapnil Nale from Daund, Pune, found themselves stuck in Abu Dhabi. A family member expressed their distress, saying, "In these circumstances, my niece and many other Indians who are currently in Iran, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are stranded. All of them are under severe mental stress due to the situation." These appeals underscore the human impact of the geopolitical tensions, highlighting the urgent need for continued evacuation and support measures.
