DUBAI, 24 March 2003 — Air-India and Indian Airlines (IA) will continue regular flights to Kuwait despite the war in Iraq.
Indian Civil Aviation Secretary K. Roy Paul, who arrived in Kuwait yesterday, said flights would continue as usual although fares might be hiked a little.
Paul, who is also the A-I chairman, met Indian Embassy officials and representatives of the 367,000 strong Indian community to assure them about the air services.
Sources said extra flights would be operated depending on the demand and the flights will continue as long as the airport is open and the security atmosphere permits.
Paul will also get a first-hand assessment of the situation in view of the US-led strikes on Iraq.
So far, the situation in Kuwait remains normal and only 5,000 people have left the country.
According to Indian Embassy officials, there is no panic among the Indians in Kuwait and the present situation does not warrant evacuation or any other special measures.
“However, should such a situation arise necessary contingency plans are in place to meet all emergencies in cooperation with the Kuwait government,” the official said.
Earlier, Paul said he would reassure the Indian community that the Indian government was standing by them.
A total of 3,200 Indians have returned home by scheduled and special flights operated by A-I and IA.
