<span style="color: #222222;">Amid the global pandemic, India's proactive and preemptive approach in the civil aviation sector ensured safe return of stranded Indian nationals from across the world.<br />'' <br />'' After a brief halt of both Domestic and International passenger flights since the imposition of nationwide lockdown in March this year, the Civil Aviation Ministry allowed calibrated  resumption of domestic passenger flights on 25th of last month.<br />'' <br />'' The Union Government also initiated World's largest repatriation programme under the Vande Bharat Mission which has brought back more than 3 lakh 60 thousand Indian nationals to the country.<br />'' <br />'' AIR correspondent takes a look at the significant milestones achieved by the Civil Aviation Ministry even during the testing times of a global pandemic.<br />'' <br />'' From donning PPE suits to screening passengers at airports , the Civil Aviation Ministry led the fight against COVID-19 both in the skies as well as on the land at the Airports.<br />'' <br />'' Immediately after the imposition of nationwide Lockdown, under Lifeline UDAN scheme, Civil Aviation Ministry helped achieve transportation of nearly one thousand tonnes of Medical and essential cargo with approximately 600 flights.  <br />'' <br />'' More than 2 million passengers have reached their destinations within the last 33 days with the help of nearly 23 thousand domestic flights.<br />'' <br />'' Under the unique initiative of Vande Bharat Mission national carrier along with private airline partners have already brought  back over 1 lakh 50 thousand Indian Citizens through nearly 700 flight operations.<br />'' <br />'' The number of bringing back stranded nationals in foreign countries will increase manifold after commencement of the fourth phase of the repatriation mission.<br />''<br />''Airport Authority introduced touch less boarding and deboarding at airports along with facilities like sanitisation tunnel and UV-chambers for luggage to ensure safe journey amid the global contagion.</span>