Over 164 Indian Nationals in Bahrain departed for Kannur, Kerala yesterday. Air India Express flight (AIE) IX 1790 left from Bahrain with a total of 159 passengers and five infants on board.

Albilad had earlier reported that the Pravasi Yathra (expatriates travel) Mission (PYM) group launched an initiative to help expatriates return to Kerala after being affected by the prevailing situation. Over 181 Indian expatriates flew home on the free-chartered flight while 25 more passengers flew to Kerala with the humanitarian support of the group by repatriation flights arranged by the Indian government.“The Mission will continue to support passengers in need by providing air tickets to travel. The humanitarian gesture was accepted and supported by community members and well-wishers. The concept, 'Dream Flight ' became possible owing to the overwhelming support and provides a chance to serve individuals who are in need the most. More free chartered flights have been scheduled to include more expats in the coming days” Pravasi Yathra Mission officials stated.

Meanwhile, Albilad has learnt that over 25,000 Indians working in the Kingdom have enlisted within the evacuation plan in batches.

“More than 520,000 Indians have returned to India on the Vande Bharat Mission and chartered flights, Naval ships and through land borders since 6 May. Nearly 70,000 have flown to various destinations. The mission has now dovetailed into Phase-4 and will continue to bring back stranded Indians” said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Additional flights in the fourth phase of the Vande Bharat Mission began last week. Flights have been repatriating Indian citizens from Bahrain since July 01 and will do so until July 15. Over 12 flights have been included from Bahrain in the fourth phase.

SOURCE: ALBILAD