The Indian Government has announced the repatriation of stranded Indian nationals in New Zealand, and facilitate those stuck in India to return home in New Zealand under the Vande Bharat Mission initiated by the Indian Govt. This will be undertaken in a phased manner, beginning June 4.
According to the Indian High Commission in New Zealand, the first flight of Air India will originate from Delhi on 4 June and return on 7 June from Auckland carrying the Indians stuck in New Zealand due to Covid-19.
All stranded Indians in New Zealand are required to register online with the Indian High Commission, and as the number of seats are limited, passengers with “the most compelling circumstances” will be given priority. The High Commission will inform the shortlisted passengers who will have 24 hours to purchase tickets.
The cost of travel will be borne by the passenger.
Only asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to board the flight, and need to sign an undertaking-cum-Indemnity Bond, and meet/follow other conditions/protocols, including a 14 days mandatory quarantine on arrival in India.
There is good news for New Zealand citizens/permanent residents,and those permitted by NZ Immigration, who are currently stranded in India and keen to return home in New Zealand.
These outbound passengers can book Flight AI1306 on Air India website or contact Air India’s call centre that leaves Delhi for Auckland on 4 June. According to the Indian High Commission, additional flights are expected to cover other major destinations in India.
Those desirous are required to register themselves on NZ government’s SafeTravel link. Only those allowed by NZ authorities will be permitted to board the flight.
No fares have been fixed as of now for either outbound or inbound. However, going by what the cost has been for other similar sectors, this is expected to be in the range of NZ$2500. But this is only an estimate and exact fare will be known only at time of purchase.
Also read:
https://www.newsviews.co.nz/left-behind-nzers-losing-hope-as-govt-helps-1500-return/
https://www.newsviews.co.nz/first-rescue-flight-from-india-expected-to-depart-24-april/
https://www.newsviews.co.nz/eight-kiwis-stranded-in-india-manage-to-return/
