For representational purposes (Photo | AP) 
India

Coronavirus outbreak: Flight from Iran brings back swabs of Indians suspected to be infected

The flight, operated by Mahan Air, returned with many Iranian nationals at around 10:30 am on Saturday, an official at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here said.

From our online archive

NEW DELHI: A flight from Tehran on Saturday brought to the national capital swab samples of Indians in Iran who are suspected of having coronavirus infection, an airport official said.

The flight, operated by Mahan Air, returned with many Iranian nationals at around 10:30 am on Saturday, an official at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here said.

The flight landed at around 5.30 am.

Coronavirus LIVE UPDATES | J&K man is 32nd confirmed case in India

On Friday, officials said around 300 swab samples of Indians suspected of having coronavirus infection would be brought in a ferry flight from Tehran.

The number of swabs that were brought to the country as well as the number of passengers who took the return flight could not be immediately ascertained.

Official sources said the swabs would be taken to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for tests.

Aviation regulator DGCA's chief Arun Kumar, on Friday, said around 300 swabs are expected to be come in the Mahan Air flight.

Based on the outcome of the tests, those passengers who test negative would be allowed to come to the country later, he added.

There are around 2,000 Indians in Iran, one of the countries which has been severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

A similar number of Indians are also there in the Persian Gulf country.

On Friday, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said evacuation of Indians from Iran was being planned in consultation with the health ministry and the Iran government.

PM Modi unveils Nandan Nilekani-led task force on exam reforms after NEET backlash

Mirabai Chanu completes hattrick of golds at CWG; nation hails weightlifting star

Siddaramaiah says he won't contest 2028 Karnataka polls, cites age, 'corrupt' politics

Jharkhand teacher alleges Rs 50,000 bribe demand for maternity leave; baby dies in womb after labour on campus

Delhi Police awaits official nod to withdraw FIRs against protesters after Centre's assurance to CJP

SCROLL FOR NEXT