Speeches / Statements

Statement by EAM on UAE Air Force Aircraft at Kolkata

08/09/2009

The UAE Embassy had sought clearance for over flying and landing of their Air Force flight at Kolkata Airport en route to Xianyang, China. The flight arrived from Abu Dhabi at Kolkata Airport on 6th September 2009. The Captain of the flight Major Ibrahim Alshamsei filed a declaration to the Customs stating that the flight was carrying arms/ammunition/explosives. However, since at the time of initial application, no mention of the arms and ammunition was made, the authorities at Kolkata Airport detained the aircraft for further investigation. Accordingly, after the concurrence of the pilot-in-command of the aircraft, the Custom Officials entered the aircraft to inquire about the nature of cargo.

The UAE authorities both here and in Abu Dhabi have since formally regretted the omission in clearly indicating items carried by the aircraft and have described it as a ‘technical error’. They have also provided details about the cargo which consists of Combat Missile.

In the light of the above, the matter will be resolved in the spirit of the close and friendly ties between India and the UAE, and we will facilitate early release of the aircraft.

New Delhi
September 08, 2009