Russian threat: Air India’s special flight from Ukraine to arrive tonight

Amid the verge of the Russian threat, the first Air India flight carrying Indian citizens from Ukraine is expected to arrive at New Delhi’s IGI Airport on Tuesday night. The Tata Group-led Air India’s special flight to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv took off at 7.30 a.m. on Tuesday. The flight is expected to land at T3, IGI Airport, around 10.15 p.m. with full capacity. According to industry insiders, the flight is ferrying a full load of over 250 passengers on Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline will be operating two more flights to Kyiv on February 24 and 26.

Besides Air India, other Indian operators are expected to start special flight services to Ukraine.
The development assumes significance as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops into two separatist areas within Ukraine, after recognising their independence, a move that some fear puts Kyiv and Moscow one step closer to a military conflict. In view of the prevailing situation in Ukraine, a control room has been set up at the External Affairs Ministry to provide information and assistance to the stranded Indians.