Relief For 303 Indians Stranded In France: Plane Grounded Over 'Human Trafficking' Cleared To Fly To Mumbai

A commercial aircraft carrying 303 Indian passengers en route to Nicaragua faced a grounding for a human trafficking investigation, stranded at France's Vatry Airport in Champagne for four days. Following legal interventions, the plane, representing the Romanian company Legend Airlines, was permitted to depart on Sunday, with plans to repatriate numerous stranded passengers to India on Monday, as per The Associated Press.

Authorities worked through Christmas Eve to facilitate the departure of some passengers from the small Vatry Airport, disclosed regional prosecutor Annick Browne to AP. All passengers, including a 21-month-old child, had been confined to the airport terminal since Thursday.

During a special French investigation into suspected human trafficking by an organized criminal group, two passengers were detained. Additionally, several individuals sought asylum in France, with 11 passengers identified as unaccompanied minors placed under specific administrative care.

The Airbus A340 bound for Nicaragua, carrying Indian passengers, was detained upon arrival from Dubai for refueling, prompted by an anonymous tip-off alleging potential victims of human trafficking. Throughout the investigation, passengers were accommodated at the airport terminal, with provisions such as beds, toilets, and showers set up, while strict control limited access to the media and outsiders.

Eleven unaccompanied minors were among the passengers, as confirmed by Paris prosecutors. Twelve individuals requested asylum, as reported by a source close to the case to news agency AFP.

The Indian embassy in Paris extended support, affirming consular staff presence to collaborate with French authorities, aiming for an expedited resolution and the welfare of detained passengers.

The crew of 30 members wasn't detained; however, some managed the Dubai-Vatry leg, while others were intended for the flight to Managua. Legend Airlines, reportedly operating with only four planes according to Flightradar24, saw their aircraft released for departure by French prosecutors on Sunday after two days of passenger questioning. Complete clearance for departure was anticipated by Monday, stated the local prefecture.

On Sunday, the airport hosted impromptu hearings with judges, lawyers, and translators to determine the detainees' status, but disputes over procedural matters halted the process. The lifting of the seizure order for the airliner hinted at the potential rerouting of passengers in the waiting area, noted the Marne administration.

Efforts by the French Civil Aviation Authority aimed to secure the necessary permissions for the aircraft's departure, projected to be finalized by Monday morning, according to the prefecture. The airline's lawyer expressed hopes for the plane's journey to Mumbai on Monday with the maximum number of passengers feasible, estimating around 280 individuals potentially departing.

Despite efforts to provide amenities like cots, regular meals, and showers, lawyers at the hearings contested authorities' handling of the situation, citing concerns. Foreigners can be detained for up to four days in a transit zone in France for police investigations, after which a special judge decides on possible extensions.