Special flight to bring back stranded Indians from Egypt

New Delhi, Jan 30 (PTI) Government has made arrangementsfor a special Air India flight to carry 300 Indians -- mainlywomen and children -- from Cairo, which has been rocked byviolent protests for the past few days, to India.

The arrangement for the special flight was made at therequest of the Indian community in Egypt in view of theprevailing situation there, the External Affairs Ministry saidin a statement here.

The arrangements are being coordinated by IndianAmbassador R Swaminathan, officials said.

They said the Embassy officials are in touch with theMinistry of External Affairs here, which is closely monitoringthe situation.

At least 100 people have been killed and hundredsinjured in the clashes. Around 1,000 people have beenarrested across the country since the protests broke out fivedays ago against the Hosni Mubarak government.

The officials said most of the Indians are PIOs whohave settled in Egypt.

Indian Embassy has set-up a round-the-clock controlroom.

The MEA had yesterday issued a travel advisory askingIndians to avoid non-essential travel to that country.

"The Embassy of India in Cairo is in touch with membersof the Indian community who are reported to be safe. There areabout 3600 People of Indian Origin (PIO) in Egypt, of whichsome 2200 are in Cairo.

"In view of the prevailing situation in Egypt, Indiannationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Egyptfor the present...," the advisory had said.

Meanwhile, Air India sources said a Boeing-747aircraft is standing by to operate on the Mumbai-Cairo-Mumbaisector to bring back stranded Indian passengers.

It will be operated depending on the time when thecurfew will be lifted in Cairo, the sources said. PTI PYK RCARC SC