Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Feb 24: An Air India plane travelling to Ukraine to bring back Indians has returned to Delhi midway as Ukraine stated that it had closed its airspace due to Russian military actions in its eastern breakaway areas.
Thousands of Indians are awaiting flights home from Ukraine, where they are caught in the middle of a battle with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin today authorised the use of Russian special troops in two separatist territories of Ukraine, which Russia recognised as independent nations on Monday.
After a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions), or notice to airmen, was delivered to all flights flying to Ukraine, the Air India flight opted to return to Delhi.
Commercial planes would be at risk due to the chaotic nature of the airspace, which would likely be clogged with military anti-aircraft activities as large-scale military operations unfold in eastern Ukraine.
