Air India will begin operating three flights on the India-Ukraine route on Tuesday, amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia to bring back its citizen. The remaining two flights are on Thursday and Saturday.
Boryspil International Airport will be the departure point for the flights. Last week, bookings were opened through Air India offices, the website, the phone centre, and authorised travel sites.
In response to mounting worries of a Russian invasion, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine has already ordered its residents, notably students whose stay is not required, to leave Kyiv temporarily. India has recommended that its nationals keep the Embassy updated of their position so that the Embassy can contact them if necessary, according to an advice published on Tuesday.
Over the last few months, tensions in Ukraine have risen. NATO and Russia have been accusing each other of amassing troops on the Ukrainian border.
“On the 22nd, 24th, and 26th of February 2022, Air India will operate three flights between India and Ukraine (Boryspil International Airport),” the Tata Group-owned airline said in a tweet on Friday. “Booking open through Air India Booking offices, Website, Call Centre, and Authorised Travel Agents.” it added.
Over 20,000 Indian students and nationalities live and study in Ukraine, including in the country’s border districts. We place a high premium on the well-being of Indians: TS Tirumurti, India’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at a UNSC meeting on Ukraine.
With Russian President Vladimir Putin sending forces into separatist territories of eastern Ukraine, a long-feared Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared to be close, if not already started. Putin directed the defense ministry to adopt “the function of peacekeeping” in the separatist-held regions in two official decrees.
