(a) whether the Government has launched repartriation drive, the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) during the lockdown due to COVID-19 and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether the reposne received under VBM has turned out be one of the largest evacuation of civilians and if so, the details thereof, country and flight-wise?
The Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))
(a) & (b) During the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of India has undertaken the Vande Bharat Mission (including air bubble arrangements) to facilitate travel of passengers between India and various parts of the world.
As on 29.07.2021, more than 88,700 inbound flights have been operated and over 72 lakh passengers have returned to India from more than 100 countries. In the same period, more than 88,000 outbound flights have been operated and over 58 lakh passengers have travelled from India to foreign countries.