A charter flight operated by Singapore Airlines departed Auckland airport earlier this afternoon taking home 222 Indians stranded in New Zealand. 

Sijo Abraham, the Auckland based local travel operator who organised this charter flight specifically to places like Chennai and Kochi in South India, along with the major centres of Delhi and Mumbai, expressed satisfaction on the successful efforts of reuniting families after a prolonged separation. 

“Travel arrangements to and from different parts of South India have been much challenging even with repatriation missions organised by the two governments,” Mr Abraham said. 

“In that regard, it is satisfactory that we were able to arrange travel arrangements for people to those regions of India,” Mr Abraham added. 

He also expressed thanks to the authorities of both countries, for the cooperation his agency had received in making this charter flight possible. 

Elaborating on plans for more such repatriation charter flights Mr Abraham said, “Three more charter flights are scheduled within next month.” 

UPCOMING CHARTER DATES 

  • AUGUST 29 AUCKLAND TO MUMBAI OR AHMEDABAD

  • SEPTEMBER 12 AUCKLAND TO CHENNAI 

  • SEPTEMBER 19 AUCKLAND TO KOCHI 

PRICE 

  • BUSINESS CLASS NZD 3700

  • PREMIUM ECONOMY NZD 3100

  • ECONOMY NZD 2650

Defending the seemingly costlier prices on the tickets, which for many prospective passengers was prohibitive, Mr Abraham said, “We handed in a separate PPE kit to each passenger. We are also providing three separate meals during the flight.”

Meanwhile, on being further asked about prospects of taking a group of stranded Indians who are especially keen to travel directly to Ahmedabad Mr Abraham said, “If we have adequate numbers then we can potentially direct the August 29 flight to Ahmedabad.”

All passengers keen to avail the facility of charter flights to India are encouraged to register in the link https://forms.gle/pJVLBMbXyxSvGBge8