Combating coronavirus: 45 more special flights to India from UAE, 44 of them to Kerala

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Combating, covid19, coronavirus, 45 more, special flights, India, UAE, 44, Kerala

Abu Dhabi - Few days back, 25 flights, including eight to Kerala, were added as part of the last leg of phase-2 from June 9 to 19.

by

Ashwani Kumar

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Published: Tue 9 Jun 2020, 6:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 10 Jun 2020, 8:26 AM

There will be 45 special flights to India from the UAE during the third phase of 'Vande Bharat Mission', with 44 of them operating to Kerala and a lone service to Odisha.
Few days back, 25 flights, including eight to Kerala, were added as part of the last leg of phase-2 from June 9 to 19. As per revised schedule, five of them - Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Lucknow - will fly between June 21 and 23.
But new announcements and revisions have met with stoic silence from stranded passengers from states other than Kerala. Thousands of stranded Indians are all prayers hoping for seat in any of the flights in the second phase as they see none for their states in third phase.
'My mother is no more'
Al Dhafra-based worker Arun Kumar is inconsolable. He lost his mother back home in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.
"I want to leave urgently. I am waiting helplessly here."
Kumar hails from Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh and the next available flight to Lucknow is on June 23. But that's too late for him to perform the last rites.
"I can land in any northern states. Kindly help me see my mother one last time." Kumar is left with a photo of mother's mortal remains and her memories.
'Baby is on ventilator'
Jafar Abdul is tensed and looking forward to Dubai-Hyderabad flight on Friday. He became a father on May 29 but his baby boy is put on ventilator.
"My baby was born with breathing issues due to complications during pregnancy. My wife and baby need me now. I can't afford to miss that flight. For past 11 days I am mailing to all officials but I didn't receive any response. This is the worst time of my life."
Abdul landed in Abu Dhabi on a mission visa but stuck since his job got over in March. "My company will provide air tickets. I just need our officials to add me to priority list."
Couple sells gold to live
There are people who are staring at uncertain days as no flights are scheduled in next phase to their states.
Radheshym Yadav and Chhaya are tourist couple, who got stuck in Dubai and had to sell gold ornaments to foot daily bills. They hail from Mumbai and came to Dubai in February. Money in hand ran dry and Chhaya had to sell her gold rings and chain.
"My wife also has health issues and anxiety as to where we are headed. We didn't get call for Thursday's flight to Mumbai and there are no more flights announced."
Distressed Indians are hopeful there will be additions made to the third phase and more destinations covered.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 


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