Image Source: TRIBUNE

With Air India preparing to operate flights to evacuate Indians from Wuhan in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, a pilots’ union of the carrier has said the airline cannot afford any mistakes and risk spreading the infection.

In a letter to Air India chief Ashwani Lohani, the Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) said the mission would be quite different from usual rescue and relief efforts, and presented new challenges as well as obstacles to overcome.

“...due to the long incubation period of this virus, post-mission support for all personnel and equipment involved in this mission is crucial well after the completion of a flight,” it said.

The union has around 600 members.

Two flights are set to be operated to bring back Indian nationals from China’s Hubei province, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.