Seven chartered flights have been arranged by the United Kingdom (UK) government to take back 35000 British nationals who are currently stranded in India amidst the international lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic.
As per reports, three chartered flights will take back some British nationals from Goa to London by next week.
Two flights each from Mumbai and Delhi will also take back some of the stranded British citizens to London by next week.
The UK government has said that information on further flights from other cities locations in India will follow shortly.
Also read: UK to evacuate nationals from India amid COVID-19 lockdown
We know how worrying the past few weeks have been for British nationals in India. I hope this announcement will bring relief, especially to those in greatest need,” said Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India.
“Due to the large numbers of British travellers involved, the scale of this operation is huge. The UK government continues to work hard with our Indian counterparts in New Delhi and London to arrange a safe journey back for as many people as possible,” she said
Last month, the United Kingdom had revealed to British nationals in India on how they can ask for help if they wish to return to their native country in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a tweet, the British High Commission in India had stated, “If you are a British national who wishes to return urgently to the UK, please contact us using the email – [email protected] Include your full name (and names of any family members), Date of Birth, passport number, visa status, date of arrival/return & contact details.”
Over 20,000 British nationals have contacted the British High Commission to say they wish to return to their native country as soon as possible.