A flight bound for Nicaragua with 303 passengers, mostly Indians, resumed its journey on Monday after being detained by French authorities near Paris for three days over suspected "human trafficking".
According to PTI, the flight is expected to land in Mumbai airport on Tuesday.
Following the authorization for the A340 aircraft, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, to depart, French judges opted to cancel hearings for over 300 passengers due to irregularities in the procedure, according to reports.
Four French judges initiated questioning for passengers detained by French authorities at Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, since Thursday over suspected "human trafficking." The hearings were part of the investigation opened by the Paris prosecutor's office on suspicion of human trafficking.
The plane is expected to take off on Monday morning, and its destination remains uncertain—possibly India, Nicaragua (its original destination), or Dubai, from where it originated.
Reportedly, some passengers spoke Hindi and others Tamil, contacting their families by telephone.
Ten passengers sought asylum, according to a source close to the case. The plane includes 11 unaccompanied minors, and two passengers in custody since Friday had their detention extended for up to 48 hours, as per French prosecutors.
The aircraft, owned by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, faced denial of involvement in trafficking by the firm's lawyer, Liliana Bakayoko. Bakayoko clarified that a "partner" company responsible for chartering the plane verified passengers' identity documents and communicated passport information 48 hours before the flight.
Human trafficking in France carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years. India's embassy in France stated on Saturday that its staff were present at the airport near Paris to ensure the welfare of Indian nationals.
An updated social media message expressed gratitude to French authorities for their efforts during the Christmas holiday weekend in pursuing an "early resolution."
Reports suggest that the Indian passengers may have planned the travel to reach Central America and attempt illegal entry into the United States or Canada. An anonymous tip indicating potential human trafficking involvement prompted the authorities' intervention.
