Over 6,000 Indians have been flown back to India in 31 inbound flights operated by Air India and Air India Express under Vande Bharat Mission in 5 days beginning from May 7, 2020. 

The government planned 64 flights in the first phase of Vande Bharat Mission repatriate nearly 15,000 stranded Indian citizens in the first week starting May 7.

Under this mission, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and state Governments for bringing Indians back to their homeland.

Air India along with its subsidiary Air India Express are operating a total of 64 flights (42 by Air India & 24 by AI Express) to 12 countries including USA, UK Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE and Malaysia to repatriate 14,800 Indians back in the first phase.

So far, 6037 Indians have returned home in these special flights, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said. 

Each and every function in this massive air evacuation mission strictly adhere to the safety and hygiene protocol laid down by the Government and DGCA. MoCA, AAI and Air India leave no stone unturned to prioritize the safety of passengers, the crew and ground handling staff in these sensitive medical evacuation missions.

Extensive and meticulous safety arrangements are made in accordance with government guidelines.

Lakhs of Indian citizens have been stranded in different countries due to suspension of flight services over the COVID-19 lockdown. 

The government announced the second phase of the mission on Tuesday. 149 flights to 31 countries are planned from May 16-22 in the second phase.