Vatry (France) – A Nicaragua-bound airplane flying with over 300 people, mostly Indian nationals, was held at Vatry airport, 150 kilometers east of Paris, for suspected human trafficking. The Romanian business Legend Airlines has been holding the Airbus plane since its arrival from Dubai on Thursday, triggered by an anonymous tip indicating probable victims of human trafficking on board.
According to the Marne department’s civilian protection branch, the detained aircraft, an Airbus A340, contained 303 passengers, including 13 unaccompanied youngsters and accompanying minors ranging in age from 21 months to 17 years. The French authorities have not formally confirmed passenger details, highlighting the investigation’s continuing nature.
The detention followed a strict response by French officials, who received an anonymous tip that led to the aircraft’s grounding. As the inquiry continues, the travelers trapped in the airport’s entry hall have been given with camp mattresses, portable toilets, and food. Concerns have been expressed concerning the safety of all on board, particularly the unaccompanied youngsters caught up in this unexpected and lengthy experience.
Consular Efforts and Legal Complexities
The Indian Embassy in Paris has been actively involved in handling the matter, noting on Saturday that consular staff are on-site and attempting to resolve it as soon as possible. The embassy’s assistance aims to secure the safety of the trapped Indians and to help French authorities negotiate the complexity of the inquiry.
Legend Airlines, the Romanian airline that operates the A340, published a statement denying any participation in human trafficking. According to Liliana Bakayoko, the airline’s lawyer, all staff members have been questioned and permitted to go. She reaffirmed the airline’s cooperation with authorities and declared a willingness to participate in judicial processes as a plaintiff if trafficking accusations were brought.
According to sources, some Indian passengers may have been working in the UAE. They were on way to Nicaragua, maybe with plans to enter the United States or Canada. However, the French authorities in charge of the case have yet to publicly disclose these information.
The grounded Airbus A340 is still at Vatry airport, identified by tarpaulins covering the glass façade of the entry hall, while police and gendarmes protect the grounds. According to Flightradar monitoring data, Legend Airlines maintains a modest fleet of four aircraft, with the halted Airbus serving as a focal point in this evolving issue.
French border police may be detained Foreign people for next 4-5 days after arriving, with the option of extensions granted by a court, and in rare situations, for up to 26 days. Human trafficking accusations, if pursued, involve a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under French law.
The arrest of the Nicaragua-bound aircraft has sparked international interest, emphasizing the intricacies of immigration and human trafficking concerns. As consular operations ramp up and legal processes begin, the well-being and legal rights of the delayed passengers, particularly unaccompanied youngsters, remain a top priority for both Indian and French authorities.
