IndiGo flew over 800 international charter flights in last 3 months to repatriate 1.5 lakh passengers

IndiGo on Wednesday said it operated more than 800 international charter flights during the last three months to repatriate 1.5 lakh passengers. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, international charter flights can operate as usual with the permission of aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

In a press release, the airline said it operated charter flights from the Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and from other Asian nations like Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong special administrative region (SAR).

Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, "We are pleased to have successfully operated over 800 international flights in almost under 3 months, including passenger charters and repatriation flights under the Vande Bharat Mission."

Apart from charter flights under the mission, airlines can also operate special international flights under separate bilateral air bubble arrangements that India has signed with various countries like the US, the UK, Germany and France.

Under a bilateral bubble pact, airlines of both the countries can operate special international flights with certain restrictions.

Also read: GMM Pfaudler to acquire majority stake in parent firm for $27.4 million

Also read: WHO hopes COVID-19 pandemic will end in 'less than 2 years'