Highlights
- Australian government to send special flights to India next week
- These flights will be operated from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata
- Nearly 2,000 Australians have already returned home on private charter flights
Nearly 2,000 Australians who were trapped in India’s nationwide lockdown have returned home on private charter flights since April 12.
These charters received crucial support from the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and the Consulates General in Mumbai and Chennai.
Now the government has further stepped up its efforts and has decided to send repatriation flights to India to bring the remaining Australian citizens and residents home. These flights will be operated by a commercial airline next week onwards from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
In a statement to SBS Punjabi, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said further flights are also being considered.
“The Australian High Commission in India has been actively exploring different ways to enable Australians in India to return home, including commercial non-scheduled options,” said the DFAT spokesperson.
While the schedule of these flights is still unknown, the Department said the High Commission is in close contact with the local Australian community in India and is providing regular updates.
Neela Patel, a Perth-based businesswoman who is currently trapped in the western Indian state of Gujarat said the situation is getting worrisome with every passing day.
Neela Patel is an Australian businesswoman who is currently stranded in India. Source: Supplied
“I just want to ask the Australian Government, why are we still here? Safety is our paramount concern as the number of coronavirus cases is rapidly rising in India,” said Ms Patel.
She added that she, along with hundreds of other Australians, have been lobbying with the government to arrange mercy flights for the past one month.
“They are finally arranging flights, but why is it taking so long when most other countries have already sent flights to repatriate their citizens? What is taking Australia so long to act?” added Ms Patel.
Informing all those who are stranded in India, Rod Hilton, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to India wrote on Twitter that the High Commission would be sending out an email once the bookings for the special flights would open.
He wrote that passengers will be able to nominate their preference to return to either Sydney, Melbourne, Perth on a “first-come-served basis.”
The High Commission further clarified on its Twitter handle that all those who would decide to book for one of the special flights will be asked about their location in India.
“From that, we will provide you advice on options to get to the city of departure,” wrote the High Commission.
It, however, clarified that they would not be arranging any domestic flights, but would facilitate movement passes and make other arrangements for those travelling by road to the departure city of their flights, as was previously done for people returning on chartered flights.
Gargi, another Australian citizen who is stranded in Punjab and has been waiting for the government to arrange the rescue flights said while the announcement that things are now moving brought her respite, she is now concerned about the ticket price.
Australian passengers waiting to board the charter flight out of India amid coronavirus lockdown. Source: Supplied
"There are speculations that the flight could cost upwards of $2,500, which is quite a lot, especially for me as I am travelling with six other family members," said Gargi.
It is important to point out that while the High Commission has said there will be a cost for passengers using this option, they have not yet clarified how much that would be.
The news about special flights to India has also triggered a chorus from Indians who are stuck here in Australia, many requesting the two governments to “coordinate” with each other on repatriation efforts.
“The same flights could be used to transport citizens to their respective countries rather than flying empty one way. We could board it from here and then the same flights could bring back Australians home,” suggested Chaitanya Patil, an Indian-origin IT professional based in Sydney.
He added that it would be a “win-win” solution for all those who are caught up in the chaos caused by border restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I want to return home to my family in Pune and there are hundreds of Australians who also want to return to their home country. So why not work together?” he added.
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas, you should call to seek medical attention.
If you don’t have symptoms but you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should also call to seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, call your doctor, don’t visit. Or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
