As Russia begins its attacks on Ukraine, the airspace in the region has shut down. An Air India flight bound for Kyiv had to return half way in the early hours of February 24, after Ukraine shuts down its airspace amidst the ongoing conflict. The repatriation flight by Air India had entered Iran airspace when it had to make its way back to India, thus unable to complete the journey.
The Indian embassy in Ukraine has also suggested Indian nationals, especially students, to temporarily leave the country. A detailed travel advisory from the concerned authorities is awaited.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has evacuated passengers and staff from the Kyiv airport. The city of Kyiv is the Ukrainian capital. The European Union has also issued a warning against flying in the bordering areas of Russian and Belarus.
Russia had earlier issued a notice to airmen against civilian traffic in northeastern Ukraine, following which, Ukraine had closed its airspace.
At a time when intense explosions can be heard in various Ukrainian cities, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv has issued a warning, asking people travelling towards the capital city to return to their cities, especially towards safer western bordering countries. Ukraine has already imposed martial law in the country. This means the country has banned meetings, movements, and political parties.
The Air India repatriation flight was carrying 182 Indians on board, and safely landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Earlier on Tuesday, about 240 Indians were flown back from Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv, carrying 240 Indians on board. Two more flights were scheduled for February 24 and February 26, but stand cancelled as of now.