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As India grapples with a devastating wave of COVID-19, efforts are underway to evacuate Korean nationals with mild symptoms to South Korea via a chartered flight.

A local Korean association has launched a demand survey to identify those in need of repatriation, and discussions have begun with South Korean health authorities to facilitate the process.

According to Flying Doctors and the local Korean community, a preliminary survey began on May 8 to assess the number of potential passengers. Flying Doctors, a medical transport service, specializes in transferring Korean nationals and travelers in critical condition from overseas to domestic hospitals via air ambulances or passenger aircraft.

The initial plan involves evacuating approximately 15 patients with mild symptoms. While a tentative departure date has been set for May 21, both the number of passengers and flight schedule remain subject to change based on demand and logistical coordination.

“The number 15 was proposed because of financial constraints faced by individuals,” said Choi Young-ho, Executive Director at Flying Doctors. “The final passenger list and schedule will be adjusted based on the outcome of the survey.”

The evacuation flight will likely be operated by a 100-seat European aircraft, rather than a Korean national carrier. Each passenger is expected to cover a cost of roughly 26 million KRW (about USD 23,000). The plan also includes having two to three European medical personnel onboard to monitor and care for the patients during the flight.

Preliminary verbal discussions have already taken place with South Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), with further consultations scheduled.

“We’ve had basic verbal consultations with the international cooperation officer at the KDCA,” said Choi. “More concrete negotiations are planned for tomorrow.”

According to the South Korean Embassy in India, around 20 Korean nationals in the country have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, roughly 10 are self-isolating at home, while the remainder are receiving treatment at local hospitals. At least one case has developed into a serious condition, raising growing concerns about the safety of overseas citizens.

“About 10 are being treated at home, and fewer than 10 are currently hospitalized,” said Shin Bong-kil, South Korea’s Ambassador to India.

With India’s healthcare infrastructure severely strained and commercial flights unable to accommodate COVID-positive passengers, this evacuation plan has emerged as a necessary alternative.

If carried out, this would mark the second time Korean COVID-19 patients have been repatriated by chartered flight. Since the onset of the pandemic, over 30 patients have been medically evacuated to South Korea, primarily via air ambulances—except for 10 evacuees from Ghana in February who traveled on a chartered flight.