Resident associations ostracised crew on COVID-19 rescue flights: Air India

Most of the flights being sent to rescue Indians stranded in coronavirus-affected countries have been Air India carriers. However, in a statement on Sunday (March 22), the state-run airline revealed that the crew members on these flights were “ostracised” by various “vigilante resident welfare associations.”

“It is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante Resident Welfare Associations and neighbours have started ostracizing the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty,” Air India said in a statement.

“These vigilantes have conveniently forgotten that many a spouse, parent, sibling, child and near and dear one have been brought home safe and secure from affected countries, thanks to the heroic efforts of these Air India crew,” the airline said in a press release.

“We would like to appeal to all concerned, particularly the law enforcement agencies, to ensure that our crew are treated with the courtesy, respect and freedom that every citizen of this country deserves especially in light of the fact of their having undertaken flight duties to affected countries to bring back Indian citizens,” Air India said in a tweet.

It also pointed that every precaution and safety measure was taken for the crew members and as per the issued guidelines, the members were also given hazmat suits and the airline ensured that sufficient amount of hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and other protective materials were made available for the crew as well as passengers.