courtesy Gaura Travel

approval when the flight is full. Once you are approved by the Indian Government, we will request your full payment.” responses from both Singapore Airlines and the Indian High Commission, we created a whole new website in order to facilitate the distribution of tickets for these repatriation flights. On 4 July, we put these tickets on sale.”

A No Objection Certificate will then be sought from the local Indian Consulate, following which the e-tickets will be issued.

A Sydney to Delhi flight is scheduled for 22 July, and a Melbourne to Delhi flight on 23 July. The cost is $1895 for Economy & $3300 for Business class.

“Economy class for the Melbourne to Delhi flight is now sold out, with more than 100 people on the waiting list,” Sonthalia revealed. “All interested to book can simply visit https://charter.gauratravel.com.au and all information including frequently asked questions are there. If anyone has any further questions, they can call Gaura Travel on 1300 FLY INDIA (1300 359 463). Our customer service line is available 24/7.”

Interested travellers are advised to read the terms and conditions on the website first. Bookings are made with a 5% deposit. (This deposit is refundable, in case the flight is not full and/or there is a reason to cancel the flight.)

“The next step involves sending your details to the Government of India for

Gaura Travel has served over 100,000 customers and sold over 1,000,000 flights over the past 12 years.

“Since May, we have been getting calls daily to see if we can book on Vande Bharat flights,” Sonthalia revealed. “Each time we had to say ‘you only be booked directly with Air India.’ So, as soon as the Government of India allowed other airlines to operate such flights, we wanted to try and help as many distressed Indians are still stranded in Australia. This is in line with our motto, ‘Your best way home’.

Pawan Luthra