Air India on Tuesday carried out its inaugural evacuation operation from Dubai, transporting 149 stranded passengers safely back to the national capital as instability continues across parts of the Middle East.
With this operation, Air India became the first Indian carrier to undertake a repatriation mission during the present crisis in the Middle East.
In addition to the passenger service, another designated flight, AI918D, arrived in Delhi earlier in the morning with 143 cockpit and cabin crew members from Air India and Air India Express.
These personnel had also remained in Dubai because of operational disruptions linked to the situation in the region. Their return brought significant relief to the airline management and the families concerned.
Air India stated, “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.”
“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.
The carrier acknowledged the assistance extended by the Government of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and officials in Dubai in facilitating the safe return of passengers and crew members.
Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the airline emphasised that the well-being of passengers and crew remains its foremost priority.
Air India added that it is keeping a close watch on developments and maintaining regular communication with Dubai Airports and other agencies to consider operating further services, subject to regulatory clearances.
The successful completion of these flights highlights India’s proactive approach in supporting its nationals during a period of heightened regional uncertainty.
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