Indians plan two evacuation flights for stranded nationals

The High Commission of India in Kampala is making arrangements with the government of Uganda to fly out Indian nationals stuck in Uganda due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Indian Association in Uganda has sought the services of Fly Dubai Airlines to organize two Chartered Flights from Kampala to Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram for the stranded Indian nationals.

The High Commission in a statement said it is obtaining necessary permissions from governments of India and Uganda to evacuate its stranded nationals back home.

The tentative flight has been scheduled for July 16, 2020, from Entebbe-Dubai- Mumbai and another on July 17, 2020, from Entebbe-Dubai- Thiruvananthapuram.

All other matters including coordinating with Fly Dubai for chartering the aircraft and issuing of air-tickets are being taken care of by the Indian Association. 

But only those stranded Indian nationals, who are registered with the High Commission of India in Kampala will be eligible to travel.

Tickets will cost $850 for Mumbai and $890 for Thiruvananthapuram.

The Chartered flights will make a one-hour stopover at the Dubai airport for refueling, but no de-boarding or boarding is permitted in Dubai.

Uganda has banned all passenger planes arriving and leaving the country as a measure to control the spread of COVID-19.

Uganda starting March 22, 2020, suspended all passenger planes from flying in and out of the country. Only cargo planes are exempted.