France Grounds Plane With 303 Indians Over Suspected Human Trafficking, Embassy Says Probing Incident

A plane bound for Nicaragua with over 300 Indian passengers has been grounded in France due to suspected involvement in "human trafficking," authorities revealed, as reported by AFP.

The Indian embassy in France confirmed the situation, stating, "French authorities informed us of a plane w/ 303 people, mostly Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained on a technical halt at a French airport. Embassy team has reached & obtained consular access. We are investigating the situation, also ensuring wellbeing of passengers," on X (formerly Twitter).

Following an anonymous tipoff, Paris prosecutors revealed that the aircraft, carrying 303 Indian passengers, was grounded. The flight originating from the United Arab Emirates prompted a judicial inquiry into the purpose and circumstances of the journey, reported Reuters citing local media.

The plane, operated by a Romanian charter company, made a technical stop at the Vatry airport, where law enforcement intervened. Initially, passengers remained on the aircraft, but the airport's arrival lounge was later converted into a temporary waiting area with individual beds.

Police have sealed off the airport where several individuals remain confined, prompting an investigation into the nature of the trip. Local officials mentioned to BBC that some passengers might be undocumented migrants.

France's national anti-organized crime unit JUNALCO has taken charge of the investigation, stated prosecutors to AFP. The A340, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, "remains grounded on the tarmac at Vatry airport following its landing," they added.

Sources revealed to AFP that the Indian passengers might have intended to travel to Central America to illegally enter the United States or Canada.