As the World Health Organisation declares the Coronavirus a global health emergency, our national carrier, Air India, which was recently put on the block by the government of India for disinvestment, is in action in national duty. Its pilots, crew members along with doctors & others are flying into Wuhan, China today to bring back 325 Indian citizens. In true to its tradition and track record, Air India has never failed India during international evacuation missions.
An Air India Boeing 747-400 is being ferried today from Mumbai to Delhi to Wuhan. The flying time from Delhi to Wuhan flying time is about 6 hours. As per information, the Air India jumbo from Mumbai has picked up special medical kits in Delhi, which has been procured by the Union Health Ministry.
About 325 passengers waiting in Wuhan will be brought back today. According to the protocol, Air India will board only those passengers who do not show symptoms of the infection. The crew of the special flight is travelling with masks, gloves and disinfectant sprays and will not get off the aircraft in Wuhan. There will be minimal contact with the passengers during the flight. Food packets and water have been pre-placed in every seat. About 2 doctors, 2 engineers, 4 load and trim staff will travel along with the flight crew.
Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Air India Tweeted, “The national carrier once again comes to the rescue – this time to evacuate Indians from Wuhan, the site of the outbreak of coronavirus. This mission begins today with a Jumbo 747 operating between Delhi and Wuhan. Jai Hind.” Showing solidarity, he was personally present at the time of the take-off.
According to the information available, the isolation protocols to be followed once the Indian nationals being evacuated from Wuhan return to India are:
1. Passengers returning from Wuhan will be kept in 2 isolation centres in Delhi and Manesar.
2. Isolation period is of 14 days with the Union Health Ministry coordinating the process.
3. Air India crew members will be in home-isolation for 7 days and are to report to an isolation ward if they show symptoms.
4. Crew members flying into Wuhan will be wearing full protective gear including overalls, gloves, head-gear etc.
