The plane seized amid a human-trafficking investigation finally leaves France, bound for India

A chartered plane caught up in a human-trafficking investigation in France has finally taken off for India after a protracted holiday ordeal.

About 300 Indian passengers, originally bound for Central America, were stranded at Vatry airport in the Champagne country for four days, marking an unusual and challenging experience during the festive season.

The tiny Legend Airlines A340 at the center of the investigation departed on Monday with a total of about 200 people, including crew and passengers, including a 21-month-old child and 11 unaccompanied minors in special administrative care. In particular, several passengers sought asylum in France, adding complexity to an already unique situation.

Two people were arrested, facing possible charges, while the remaining passengers were allowed to leave the French airport. Authorities did not comment on the passengers’ presumed final destination, raising questions about whether the US, which has seen an increased influx of Indians crossing the Mexico-US border, was the final destination.

Vatri airport, commandeered by police during the investigation, was turned into a makeshift courtroom on Sunday, hosting emergency hearings to determine next steps for the stranded passengers. Lawyers at those hearings raised concerns about the overall handling of the situation and the rights of passengers.

The aircraft’s departure was delayed as French authorities worked through formalities on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning to facilitate the exit of passengers from Vatry airport.

Legend Airlines lawyer Liliana Bakayoko said approval had been received to carry 301 of the 303 passengers on a direct flight to Mumbai, but the final number may be lower.

Some passengers expressed reluctance to travel to India, claiming they had paid for a tourist trip to Nicaragua. Legend Airlines has categorically denied any involvement in possible human trafficking.

Under French law, foreigners can be detained for up to four days in a transit zone for police investigations, after which a special judge decides whether to extend detention for an additional eight days.

During the ordeal, local officials, medical staff and volunteers ensured the passengers’ well-being by providing cots, regular meals and showers at Vatry Airport.

The incident has shed light on the complexities surrounding immigration, suspected human trafficking and the challenges faced by those caught in the crossfire of legal investigations during international travel.