PM Modi praises Air India team for ‘utmost courage’ in fighting coronavirus

Air India has appealed to all citizens, particularly the law enforcement agencies, to ensure that its crew were treated with the courtesy, respect and freedom that they deserve.

The efforts of Air India, which has been sending special flights to bring back stranded Indians particularly students from coronavirus-hit countries, were the latest to be highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Air India crew who evacuated Indians citizens from Rome, Italy have been advised home quarantine as per the established norms of the company, in New Delhi on Sunday, March 22, 2020. (ANI)

The national carrier has brought back a large number of Indians from China’s Wuhan as well as from Japan, Italy and Iran in its special flights in the last few weeks.

“Extremely proud of this team of @airindiain, which has shown utmost courage and risen to the call of humanity. Their outstanding efforts are admired by several people across India,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Modi’s praise came a day after Air India criticised vigilante resident welfare associations for ‘ostracising’ crew members after they travelled to coronavirus-hit countries to evacuate stranded Indians.

The airline had in January issued guidelines for crew members and operational staff about handling passengers and self-care.

It has also clarified that crew members who are landing in India from Covid-19 affected cities are sent on home quarantine and also to designated hospitals for a check-up as part of the protocol.

The airline has appealed to all citizens, particularly the law enforcement agencies, to ensure that its crew were treated with the courtesy, respect and freedom that they deserve.