Trapped in war-torn Ukraine, many Indians are waiting for a passage to return to their homeland. Some managed to escape the catastrophe, but several others are still stranded. As per the latest reports, around 60% Indians have been evacuated from Ukraine so far. Flights have evacuated students, newlyweds and even a 25-day-old baby. Passengers landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were overjoyed and relieved to be finally free of the life-or-death scenario they had been in. The airport authorities too are going the extra mile to assist the distressed passengers in whatever ways possible.
Indians Get Emotional As They Reach Mumbai Airport From War-Torn Ukraine
19-year-old Siya Das had a strenuous journey from Chernivtsi in western Ukraine to Mumbai via Romania. But her journey was not over here. She had to travel 2700 kilometres more to reach her hometown in Guwahati. According to a press release by CSMIA, Siya said, “My landing in Mumbai from the war-ravaged country was a great relief. During my flight, I was preparing myself in my head for the next course of action once I landed–to book my ticket to my hometown and where to stay put till my next flight. But to my happy surprise, Mumbai International Airport put me on a flight back home, free of cost. I saw real heroes working silently and helping fellow Indians with all their means with no strings attached. Mine was a long tiring journey but the pride of being an Indian is at its peak.”
#CSMIA facilitated a smooth transit of 219 Indian students from Ukraine. We provided them with food, water bottles, free WiFi codes, and medical assistance. The young students were received by honourable dignitaries and the team at #MumbaiAirport with cheerful smiles.@MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/UEciYHcVg1
— CSMIA (@CSMIA_Official) February 27, 2022
Also Read: Here’s Why Indian Students Prefer Ukraine For Medical Studies
21-year-old medical student Anushka Choudhary said, “From crossing the Ukranian-Romania border, reaching the airport in Bucharest, to catching our flight, everything felt very uncertain and scary, till the aircraft took off. We were pleasantly surprised when we landed in Mumbai as the arrangements at the airport were awesome. It felt homecoming. The airport authorities also arranged onward flights for me and many others.”
A 25-Day-Old Baby Was The Youngest Passenger Evacuated From The War Zone
The youngest passenger evacuated till now from Ukraine was a 25-day-old baby, whose parents initially had to face issues after reaching India as the baby did not have a passport. However, obtaining the passport for the little one was challenging within such a short time span, with missiles and bullets blowing up everywhere, as told by 28-year-old Kuntart Makwana. A CSMIA spokesperson said, “Only when we thought we were fully prepared for the smooth arrival of every Indian who was coming back, came a little baby without the necessary documentation. Our hearts went out to the little boy, and we did everything in our capacity to make it easy for the parents and the newborn while they were in discussion with the Immigration team. From priority RTPCR to documentation to porter services—we were happy to help. We also arranged for their stay, and we are delighted to inform that the baby has safely reached his hometown, Ahmedabad.”
Welcome back to the motherland!
Glad to see the smiles on the faces of Indians safely evacuated from Ukraine at the Mumbai airport.
Govt. led by PM @NarendraModi ji is working relentlessly to ensure safety of every Indian. pic.twitter.com/fjuzjtNl9r
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 26, 2022
Also Read: Minister Smriti Irani Welcomes Indians Evacuated From Ukraine In Different Languages
The Flights Are Bringing Back Pets Too
Not only are the flights helping in bringing people back, but they are allowing them to carry their pets too. 23-year-old medical student Supriya Kumar, a pet parent to one-year-old dog Coco, said, “I will always be indebted to the airport authorities who ensured that Coco accompanied me. With relaxed measures, the airport authorities extended their thorough support allowing me to come back home with my pet. At Mumbai International Airport, the immigration, covid tests, and baggage collection processes were managed efficiently and quickly. They even arranged for our hotel stay as we were travelling to New Delhi the next day.”
From arranging RT-PCR tests, providing accommodation to those waiting for their next departure, booking onward flights to offering porter services, the Mumbai airport is doing it all to ensure that these travellers reach their destinations smoothly and efficiently.