India Activating Alternate Evacuation Routes For Citizens After Ukraine Closes Airspace: Reports

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, India on Thursday informed that it is activating alternate evacuation routes for citizens after Ukraine closed its airspace. 

New Delhi: Amid the escalated tensions in Ukraine as Russia had begun military operations in Ukraine’s Donbas, India on Thursday informed that it is activating alternate evacuation routes for citizens after Ukraine closed its airspace. According to a report in NDTV, high-level meetings are going on at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), to work out contingency plans and find alternate evacuation routes for thousands of Indian citizens living in Ukraine.

An hour ago, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv had issued a notification asking the students stuck in Ukraine to remain safe and return to their homes, hostels or accommodations. In view of the growing uncertainties, Indian citizens have been told to stay insides and avoid travelling.

The students who have been travelling to Kyiv, have been told to return to their respective cities, especially western bordering countries. They have been told to stay away from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, since its facing heavy military action.

After weeks of rising tensions, Russia on Thursday announced a military operation against Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities issued a “notice to airmen”, which stated that flights of civil aircraft within Ukraine “are restricted due to potential hazard for civil aviation”.

Air India’s Thursday flight is the second flight being operated by the airline to bring back Indians from the eastern European nation. The first flight, operated on February 22, brought back around 240 people.

On February 19, Air India announced that it would operate three flights between India and Ukraine on February 22, 24 and 26.

Meanwhile, India issues helpline number for stranded citizens:

Central room – 18000118797 (toll free)

Phone – +91 11 23012113, +91 11 23014104, +91 1123017905

24×7 emergency numbers in Ukraine – +380 9997300428, +380 997300483

Fax – +91 11 23088124

Email – situationroom@mea.gov.in  cons1.kyiv@mea.gov.in

Website – eoiukraine.gov.in