Bucharest: The first flight with Keralites stranded in Ukraine has left for Mumbai from Romania. Out of the 219 Indians on board,19 are Keralites.  The flight is expected to reach  Mumbai at 10 pm.The group arrived at the airport in Bucharest, Romania at around 9.30 am Indian time. Embassy officials were present to receive them. Union Minister Piyush Goyal will arrive in Mumbai to receive the first batch. Meanwhile, a second flight has left for Romania under the  rescue mission.

 Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the state government will provide air tickets to Kerala for students arriving in Delhi and Mumbai on evacuation flights arranged by the Central Government from Ukraine. The Chief Minister added that steps have been taken to make available the details of Keralites arriving in India in advance and that the Resident Commissioner and NORKA officials will do the needful to facilitate the repatriation of students arriving at the airport. District Collectors have been directed by the Chief Minister  to receive the students arriving at the airports in Kerala and provide them with necessary facilities. Earlier, NORKA had declared that returnees from Ukraine would be brought to Kerala from Delhi free of cost.

Accommodation, food and travel facilities will be provided at Kerala House for those returning from Ukraine. A counter of Kerala House will be opened at Delhi Airport. RTPCR test will be performed for  free for students arriving in Mumbai via Romania. Accommodation, meals and travel facilities up to Kerala House are arranged at Mumbai Kerala House. Preparations are being made by NORKA and the Department of Tourism.