India working with authorities after flight carrying mostly Indians detained in France
French authorities have detained a flight carrying mostly Indian passengers on a technical halt at Chalons-Vatry airport, located 150 kilometers east of Paris. The plane, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, was en route from Dubai to Nicaragua when it was stopped at the French airport. According to reports, the aircraft was carrying 303 Indian nationals, the majority of whom may have been working in the UAE. The French authorities have taken over the investigation, suspecting a potential case of human trafficking. The passengers, including 13 unaccompanied minors, have been provided with accommodations and are currently the focus of the ongoing inquiry.
The Indian embassy has confirmed that its team has reached the airport and obtained consular access to the detained passengers. They are liaising with the French government to ensure the welfare of the Indians and expedite the resolution of the situation. The embassy’s consular staff is stationed at the airport to provide assistance and support to the affected passengers.
The Chalons-Vatry airport predominantly serves budget airlines, and this incident has captured the attention of both French and Indian authorities. The plane’s grounding has caused significant disruption to both the passengers and the airline involved. A lawyer representing Legend Airlines has denied any involvement in human trafficking and stated that they are ready to cooperate with the French authorities.
French authorities reportedly received an anonymous tip regarding the flight, suspecting potential victims of human trafficking onboard. As a result, the passengers were initially kept on the aircraft and later transferred to the terminal building, where they were provided individual beds. The entire airport has been cordoned off, with the investigation being led by a specialized French organized crime unit, border police, and aviation gendarmes.
The Romanian charter company, Legend Airlines, clarified that they had verified the conformity of the passengers’ travel documents and passports before the flight. However, they explained that they cannot check the criminal records of the individuals being transported. The airline expressed disappointment with the situation, citing economic losses and damage to their reputation.
The Indian passengers aboard the plane may have planned this particular travel route to reach Central America, from where they could potentially attempt to enter the United States or Canada illegally. The investigation and questioning of those onboard are ongoing to determine the full extent of the situation.
India and France are now working collaboratively to resolve the issue, provide necessary support to the passengers, and address any potential cases of human trafficking. Both countries are committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of individuals involved in this concerning incident.
