Demand for repatriation flights dwindling with spread of coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.
With the US becoming the epicenter of coronavirus epidemic, many American citizens stranded in India prefer to shelter in place rather than return home.
According to a notice put up on the website of American embassy in India, US has repatriated over 2,300 US citizens from India to the US in recent weeks. But the demand for repatriation flights to US now seems to be dwindling.
“We are working to arrange a potential final set of special chartered flights for US citizens and their families departing India and we need to re-assess demand for repatriation flights,” the US embassy notice said.
A similar indication was given at a special briefing last week at the State Department on covid-19’s health impact and assistance for American citizens abroad.
Citing the example of Peru and India, Ian Brownlee, principal deputy assistant secretary Bureau of Consular Affairs, said US was “tracking about 20,000 who have indicated a desire to return to the US.”
However, he said. “Many people in Peru, India, and other places get a call from us saying we’ve got a seat for you on tomorrow’s flight, and then they say no thank you.”
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The US was also “working closely with the airlines” for repatriation of US citizens, Brownlee said. “A number of them have been assisting us. So for example, United is working with us on the repatriations out of India.”
The US embassy in New Delhi has advised American citizens to register “ If you are still interested in departing India on a US government-facilitated flight.”
“Please register using this new form: https://tinyurl.com/uscit-india even if you have registered, emailed, or otherwise contacted us before.”
“If these flights are authorized, we expect these may be the final US government-organized flights returning to the United States from India during the COVID-19 crisis,” it said.
The embassy urged “US citizens who wish to return to the United States take advantage of this opportunity or be prepared to remain in India until commercial flights resume.”
“By registering, you confirm your interest to travel at short notice within the next two weeks,” it said.
The flights would likely follow the same route as previous flights: New Delhi to San Francisco, and Mumbai to Atlanta.
“The flights are not yet authorized or confirmed, but we are targeting the departure dates for the week of April 12,” the embassy said.
The flight is not free. All passengers will need to reimburse the US government for the cost of the flight. Previous flights have cost between $2,000 and $2,500 per person.
A legal document, called a promissory note, for the full cost of the flight must be signed by each adult passenger before boarding however payment is not required at the time of the flight.
“Unless you receive an email from the US Mission in India confirming your flight, please do not appear at the airport,” the embassy said.
Only US citizens with confirmations from the US Mission to India will be allowed to board the flights, it said.
1 Comment
The coast of these flights are a major factor with Americans that I’ve talked with here in South Goa , India . The Americans feel the U.S. , with these Coast are not being so “ United “ with aiding its citizens in returning home . It’s not so much Americans wish to stay here , the “ Coast “ seems to be the issue .