Proud to be part of the effort, says Air India pilot who flew evacuation flight from Ukraine

Indian Air Pilot Shivani Kalra, who flew the sixth evacuation flight from Ukraine, which began with Budapest and landed in Delhi on Monday, told Indian Express that he was “proud to have become part of the process”.

It usually didn’t happen but when I left the house last night, my mother came and hugged me. She’s rather emotional. I have been part of the evacuation and rescue of flights during Covid time but I think the news of war makes them afraid. My sister and father are worried and calling I immediately after I landed, “he said.

Kalra has been with Indian water for more than three years now. “When we arrived at Budapest and met the students, they were all afraid. I talked to them and tried to comfort them. We convinced them that they would reach a safe house. They were happy to return. My family was a little scared but it was all smooth. We landed, everyone clapped. I came out of the gate and saw the family cheering. This is the first time something like this happened. I am grateful I have this opportunity, “he said.

Group students have left Ukraine Uzhhorod for the Hungarian border and reached Budapest Monday morning. More than 240 Indian students were evacuated through Indian water flights, they arrived at Delhi at 6pm.

The students were welcomed by anxious parents and family members waiting at the airport for hours.

Osama, a first year MBBS student at the National University of Uzhhorod, rushed to embrace his father MD Hassan. His cousin gave him a bouquet and hugged him as he cried.

The last few days are very difficult. I have never imagined that I would be in a torn country war. We thought there would be some compromise and did not expect a war. My family and I booked two tickets one on February 27 and another date of the 2nd. Flights were canceled. My father told me the airport was broken. We were all scared but the university helped us. They sent us on the bus to cross the border. We managed to go to Budapest and the embassy officials saved us. I am happy to be at home, “Osama said.

Azaz Ahmed, a grade 4 student from the same university, who came from Melat, said, “My cousin Mushtaq and I was stranded there. Fortunately, the University is close to the border and we can cross into the past. My other cousin, Praveene, Studies in Lviv and are still trapped there. I talked to him the last on Sunday. He tried to reach the Polish border. We all pray for a safe back. The last few days have become a total locking with water sirens ringing all the time. I want to go home now Of course. “