NEW DELHI: Air India recently found rather unexpected praise from an Air Traffic Controller ( ATC ) of Pakistan The praise came when an Air India special flight was travelling from India to Frankfurt with relief materials and evacuated European nationals, who were stranded in the country due to the coronavirus outbreak."As we entered in the Pakistan's Flight Information Region (FIR), the Pakistan Air Traffic Controller (ATC) greeted us saying 'Assalaam Alaikum! This is Karachi's control welcoming Air India for relief flights to Frankfurt'," one of the senior captains of the special flights told ANI."It was a very proud moment for me as well as the entire Air India crew when we heard Pakistan ATC praising our special flight operations to Europe," the senior captain said."Confirm are you operating relief flights for Frankfurt," the Pak ATC had asked the captain of the flight."AFFIRM," said the Air India captain in response."You are cleared; direct to exit point Kebud; request estimate crossing Kebud (Exit)," came the response from the ATC.The Air India captain replied, "Cleared direct Kebud, Thank you."At this, the Pakistan ATC showered praise on Air India."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.Furthermore, when the AI captain, who commanded the special flights, asked the Pakistan ATC that he is not getting next radar for the Iran airspace, Pakistan conveyed the Indian jet's position to the Tehran airspace and provided details of the two AI special flights.Many crew members of AI's Boeing-777 and Boring 787 were deployed for the special evacuation flights for European and Canadian citizens from Mumbai and Delhi.