Air India pilots union sounds caution on Wuhan evacuation flights

MUMBAI : With Air India preparing to operate flights to evacuate Indians from Wuhan in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, a pilots’ union of the carrier on Wednesday said the airline cannot afford any mistakes and risk spreading the infection. In a letter to Air India chief Ashwani Lohani, the Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) said the mission would be quite different from usual rescue and relief efforts, and presents new challenges as well as obstacles to overcome.

“… due to the long incubation period of this virus, post mission support for all personnel and equipment involved in this mission is crucial well after the completion of a flight,” it said.

The union has around 600 members.

Two flights are set to be operated to bring back Indian nationals from China’s Hubei province, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.