Indian Businessman Only Passenger On Air India Flight From Amritsar To Dubai

UAE-based Indian businessman SP Singh Oberoi was pleasantly surprised to have the whole plane to himself when he boarded Air India¡¯s flight from Amritsar to Dubai with an economy-class ticket in hand.

Golden visa holder

Oberoi, who holds a golden visa that allows 10-year long residency in the UAE, was the sole passenger on the national carrier¡¯s Dubai-bound three-hour flight that departed from Amritsar around 3.45 a.m. on Wednesday, an official said.

ANI

The United Arab Emirates' golden visa system grants residency in the Gulf state to certain professionals and prominent global personalities.

Oberoi is the managing trustee of Sarbat Da Bhala Trust, president of Asian Gatka Foundation, and founder and chairman of Apex Group Of Companies, according to his social media profiles.

Flight operations were suspended

"I felt like a maharaja (king) during my travel," he told ANI after the three-hour flight. He currently runs his own business called Oberoi Properties & Investments LLC in Dubai.

ANI

Flight operations were suspended between India and the UAE for the public since April 24 due to a spike in COVID-19 cases during the second coronavirus wave. However, UAE officials have allowed diplomats, golden visa holders, and Emiratis to travel from India amid the travel ban, a report said.

Allowed after intervention of aviation ministry

According to an ANI report, Oberoi was earlier refused permission to take the flight but was later allowed after the intervention of aviation ministry officials. He said he had all relevant travel documents, including full vaccination proof authorised by the UAE. Oberoi thanked the UAE and Indian governments for the "memorable" journey.

Facebook

"Sometimes in vital situations we get opportunities to cherish for life. Highly appreciate the Government of UAE and India for making it a memorable journey, thank you Air India for special services, you made it absolutely a wonderful journey," he said on Facebook. Air India had earlier announced that normal flights will resume from today for the public.

Air India's fresh announcement

However, it tweeted earlier in the day: "Flights to Dubai are being operated with curtailed scheduled due to travel restrictions implemented by UAE govt. Before planning your travel please confirm your eligibility for entry into UAE."

AFP

The 66-year-old man hails from Patiala in Punjab. When he first went from India to Dubai many years ago, he worked as a mechanic for four years before setting up his own company. In 2020, he played an active role in repatriation of Indian labourers when the Covid-19-induced lockdown restrictions were first put in place.