Evacuation of stranded Nepalis continues, over 16,000 return home

Kathmandu - Two airlines have been operating five to seven flights on a daily basis in a bid to rescue more and more stranded Nepalis abroad. So far, 16,294 Nepalis have returned home from various countries, according to the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre (CCMC).

Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier and Himalayan Airlines, the private airline, have been flying on various international destinations in a chartered flight to evacuate the Nepalis.

The government has been rescuing Nepalis on a priority basis, especially those rendered jobless and in dire state in many countries across the world during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Nepal Airlines has made public its flight schedule till July 11 while Himalayan Airline has unveiled its flight schedule from July 2 to July 11 to fly home more and more Nepalis.

Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Buddi Sagar Lamichhane shared that the chartered flights would be conducted till July 12. Then there will not any rescue mission for a week or two. But, according to him, if the government takes decision to continue with the evacuation flight, the NA will put in place the chartered flights.