A-340 Aircraft, Carrying 303 Indian Passengers Lands at Mumbai Airport

A-340 aircraft, carrying 303 Indian passengers, touched down in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday, following a week-long grounding in France over suspected human trafficking concerns.

The flight, originally en route from Dubai to Nicaragua, made an unexpected “technical halt” at Vatry Airport in France, where authorities took swift action. The Indian Embassy in France expressed gratitude to the French government and Vatry Airport authorities for their hospitality and prompt resolution of the situation, enabling the Indian passengers to finally return home.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Indian Embassy in France commended the cooperation of French authorities and their close collaboration with the embassy team throughout the ordeal. “Thank the French Government and Vatry Airport for the quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home and for their hospitality. Also, for working closely with the embassy team, present throughout at the site to ensure welfare and a smooth and safe return. Thank agencies in India, too,” the embassy stated.

Highlighting the dedication of French authorities, the embassy also acknowledged their efforts over the long holiday weekend to address the situation. The stranded passengers, initially bound for Nicaragua, were subjected to a prolonged uncertainty, which the embassy aims to resolve promptly.

“Continue to work with the French Government for the welfare of the Indians currently at Vatry airport, 150 km East of Paris, and for the early resolution of the situation. Embassy consular staff stationed there. Thank French authorities for working on this through the long holiday weekend,” the Indian Embassy in France affirmed in their social media post.

The details surrounding the suspected human trafficking concerns that led to the aircraft’s grounding remain unclear. However, with the passengers now safely back in India, the focus shifts to ensuring their well-being and addressing any lingering issues stemming from the unexpected ordeal.