The British High Commission has confirmed plans for 17 additional rescue flights to bring stranded British nationals home from India.
Several phases of rescue flights have been over the last month or so, and the new services bring the total number of chartered flights from India over the last few weeks to 38.
A total of 4,000 seats will be available on flights as follows:
• From Ahmedabad to London on April 20, 22, 24 and 26
• From Amritsar to London on April 21, 23, 25 and 27
• From Bangalore (via Ahmedabad) to London on April 23
• From Delhi to London on April 21, 23, 25 and 27
• From Goa to London on April 20, 22 and 24
• From Mumbai to London on April 26
The British High Commission said that “People who are most vulnerable will be prioritised for seats on these flights”, and also noted that “Given the number of people who have already registered for a flight, the majority of seats are likely to be allocated to people who are already on waitlists, having registered via the CTM website”.
Pre-registered customers do not need to take any further action, and will be contacted directly by CTM if they have secured a flight. Those still wishing to register should visit the India Travel Advice page.
The following advice has also been provided:
- The charter flights are for UK travellers who normally reside in the UK and their direct dependants. A number of seats will be reserved for those deemed vulnerable.
- To book flights and register their details, British nationals should use the city-specific webpages listed on the India Travel Advice page.
- Movement within India is currently very restricted. Those who are eligible to fly will be sent information on how to get to airports and flight itineraries directly when their seat is confirmed.
- Details regarding luggage allowance, flight costs and carriers will be available on the booking portal.
- The flights are expected to cost between £537 and £591.
- The British High Commission continues to provide consular support to any British nationals who remain in India. Consular helpline numbers: New Delhi: +91 (11) 2419 2100; Chennai: +91 (44) 42192151; Goa: +91 (22) 6650 2222.
Acting High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson said that “We are working around the clock to arrange additional flights from locations where we know large numbers are still stranded”, while UK Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon commented:
“We know this is a difficult time for British travellers and there is great demand for these flights. This is a huge and logistically-complex operation, and we are working tirelessly with the Indian Government and state authorities to help more British travellers get home.”
The rescue flights from India are part of a £75 million programme to bring Britons stranded abroad back to the UK.
