First flight to evacuate Indians stranded in UAE leaves Kochi

Kochi:The first Air India Express flight to the United Arab Emirates to evacuate Indians mostly Keralites stranded there following the relaxation in lockdown left here on Thursday afternoon.

The flight departed to Abu Dhabi from Cochin International Airport will return to Kochi, carrying 177 adults and four infants tonight, official sources said.

About 2000 people are expected to reach Kerala in the first five days on board 13 flights. Arrangements including accommodation for quarantine and thermal screening at airports have been made.

The Centre has made arrangements to operate 64 flights from May seven to 13 from Gulf countries, Singapore, US and UK among others to bring back stranded Indian nationals.

Doctors and nurses of a government hospital here imparted training to 12 airline staff, including four pilots, on the steps to be taken on personal protective equipment suits, infection control practices and management of anticipated health emergencies during the flight.

Two masks, 100 ml sanitiser, a snack box and half a litre of water will be ready in the seats of the passengers. (UNI)