The first repatriation flight carrying Australians stranded in India landed in Darwin on Saturday following the end of the federal government's controversial ban on them from returning home. The repatriation flights facilitated by the Australian government for its stranded citizens in India resumed from Friday following a two weeks ban due to the Covid-19 health crisis in India.

The Qantas jet touched down at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base shortly before 9:00 am local time. It was scheduled to carry up to 150 passengers but in the end, only carried 80 people back to Australia. "Many passengers on the first flight on Friday were grounded due to Covid-19 positive test results," Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell was quoted as saying by ABC News. A total of 70 people were barred from boarding. 46 of those tested positive to Covid-19, while 24 others were identified as close contacts.