Coronavirus: Hundreds throng Abu Dhabi ISC as Air India Express starts service

More than 350 Indians availed services of Air India Express ticketing office that has temporarily moved operations to India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) in Al Mina, Abu Dhabi, on Friday.

Arabian Travel Agency, the general sales agent for Air India Express, had difficulty in managing a large crowd at its office on Electra Street after direct sale of tickets for the Vande Bharat Mission started from June 28. Also, the phase four tickets between July 15 and 31 went up on sale from 2pm on Friday.

However, a well-coordinated system was in place as people started pouring into the ISC from 8.30am. There were dedicated entry and exit points. Temperature check was done before allowing anyone to enter the facility. People were issued tokens and chairs to sit.

Agency staff were assigned to handle documents and get details from customers as per their turn. Six ticketing counters are opened to serve customers.

"Everything was done in an organised manner. We are adhering to Covid-19 protocols," ISC general secretary, Jojo J. Ambooken, said. "We will see what more steps can be taken to ensure safety and comfort of people," he added.

The office is open daily from 9 am to 6pm. On day one, it stretched beyond 8.30pm.
With more flights expected to be added in coming days, the ISC and Arabian Travel Agency are bracing for a bigger crowd. People who have registered with the Indian missions can also book tickets online at www.airindiaexpress.in.

"Air India Express faced a huge crowd at their office. It caused inconvenience to other commercial establishments and residents. As a moral responsibility to help the distressed nationals, we have offered our premises temporarily for issuing air tickets.

We have obtained a special permission from the relevant authority to provide our premises for a limited period," Ambooken added.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com