Pakistan Air Traffic controller generously acknowledged the efforts and appreciated Indian special flight operation to Frankfurt with relief materials and evacuated European nationals, who were stranded in India due to sudden spike in COVID-19 cases and ban on international flights.

As the Air India plane entered in the Pakistan’s Flight Information Region (FIR), the Pakistan Air Traffic Controller (ATC) greeted the crew ‘Assalaam Alaikum!’ This is Karachi’s control welcoming Air India for relief flights to Frankfurt.”

The senior captain was then asked by Pakistan ATC, “Confirm are you operating relief flights for Frankfurt.” To which, he replied,” AFFIRM.”

Pakistani ATC showed admiration towards Air India’s efforts to escort the stranded European citizens and safely drop them to their home country.

“We are proud of you that in a pandemic situation you are operating flights, Good Luck!”

“Thank you so much,” responded the captain of India’s national carrier.

After crossing the Pakistani airspace safely, the special AI flight entered Iranian territory. This is particularly unusual as Iran gave a direct routing for about 1000 miles a privilege guess enjoyed as special flights, in all especially in the recent tense situation in the Iranian airspace.

Iran has rarely given direct route to any of airlines because direct route of Iran airspace is strictly kept reserve for their defence purposes only.

Before leaving Iran airspace, the ATC there also wished us ‘all the best’.

The captain revealed that after Iran, the AI special flights entered into the Turkey airspace and then Germany’s. “All ATCs from Bombay to Frankfurt welcomed the special flights of Air India and wished us very proudly.”

Notably, all crew members including the pilots wore the mandatory COVID-19 coveralls for over 20 hours at a stretch (to/from and ground time at Frankfurt). They will now remain in self-quarantine for 14 days.