Spanish
Official VisaVerge Logo Official VisaVerge Logo
  • Home
  • Airlines
  • H1B
  • Immigration
    • Knowledge
    • Questions
    • Documentation
  • News
  • Visa
    • Canada
    • F1Visa
    • Passport
    • Green Card
    • H1B
    • OPT
    • PERM
    • Travel
    • Travel Requirements
    • Visa Requirements
  • USCIS
  • Questions
    • Australia Immigration
    • Green Card
    • H1B
    • Immigration
    • Passport
    • PERM
    • UK Immigration
    • USCIS
    • Legal
    • India
    • NRI
  • Guides
    • Taxes
    • Legal
  • Tools
    • H-1B Maxout Calculator Online
    • REAL ID Requirements Checker tool
    • ROTH IRA Calculator Online
    • TSA Acceptable ID Checker Online Tool
    • H-1B Registration Checklist
    • Schengen Short-Stay Visa Calculator
    • H-1B Cost Calculator Online
    • USA Merit Based Points Calculator – Proposed
    • Canada Express Entry Points Calculator
    • New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Points Calculator
    • Resources Hub
    • Visa Photo Requirements Checker Online
    • I-94 Expiration Calculator Online
    • CSPA Age-Out Calculator Online
    • OPT Timeline Calculator Online
    • B1/B2 Tourist Visa Stay Calculator online
  • Schengen
VisaVergeVisaVerge
Search
Follow US
  • Home
  • Airlines
  • H1B
  • Immigration
  • News
  • Visa
  • USCIS
  • Questions
  • Guides
  • Tools
  • Schengen
© 2025 VisaVerge Network. All Rights Reserved.
Immigration

Indians Emigrating to the US in Record Numbers: Donkey Flight in Paris Not the First

A chartered flight, known as the "donkey flight," transporting mostly Indian passengers from the UAE to Nicaragua was grounded in France on suspicion of human trafficking. The Indian embassy is working with French authorities to assist the detained passengers, including 11 unaccompanied minors. This incident adds to previous reports of Indians attempting to cross the US border illegally through Central America.

Last updated: July 18, 2025 8:07 pm
SHARE
VisaVerge.com
Key takeaways

A chartered flight with Indian passengers was grounded in France due to suspicions of human trafficking.
The Indian embassy in Paris is working with the French government to ensure the welfare of the detained Indians.
There are concerns about illegal entry into the US as some passengers may have been attempting to reach Central America.

Understanding the Recent Grounding of a Chartered Flight with Indian Passengers

In a recent development, French authorities have grounded a flight carrying a significant number of passengers, mostly of Indian origin, due to suspicions of human trafficking. This event has drawn attention to the complexities of Indian emigration and the challenges individuals face when attempting to emigrate to the US.

Indians Emigrating to the US in Record Numbers: Donkey Flight in Paris Not the First

What Happened with the Chartered Flight?

On a flight operated by Legend Airlines, a Romanian charter company, 303 passengers found themselves halted at Châlons Vatry airport, situated approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Paris. Among these passengers were eleven unaccompanied minors. The flight was en route to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when the French authorities took action.

The Response from the Indian Embassy

The Indian embassy in Paris responded swiftly, ensuring consular access to the passengers and announcing via social media:

“We are working with the French government on the welfare of the detained Indians.”

This statement highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard the passengers’ well-being.

Clarification from Legend Airlines

Advocate Liliana Bakayoko representing Legend Airlines conveyed that the airline was unaware of the trip’s purpose. Bakayoko emphasized the airline’s clean record by stating:

“The French authorities have released the crew and the pilots. The company has never been accused of committing a tort.”

Despite this, the airline did confirm previous flights to Nicaragua, although the specifics regarding the passengers remained undisclosed.

Concerns about Illegal Entry into the US

There are rising concerns about the ‘donkey flight,’ an informal term referencing efforts to covertly enter the United States. The apprehended flight has raised suspicions that some passengers may have been attempting to reach Central America to try and gain illegal entry into the US. This speculation is based on a growing trend observed this year, with numerous Indians reported attempting to cross the US border via Mexico.

The Role of Flight-Tracking Services

Flight-tracking services like Flightradar24 provide insight into air travel patterns. Reports from this service confirm that at least two aircraft from Legend Airlines had previously reached Managua from France, with specific flights on the dates of December 15, 16, and 20.

Navigating the Complexities of Emigration

Emigrating to a new country, especially to the US, is a process filled with legal intricacies. Prospective emigrants should seek reliable and lawful ways to enter their destination country. Authorities strictly enforce immigration laws and policies to combat illegal practices, such as human trafficking.

For individuals considering emigration, it is essential to be aware of and adhere to immigration procedures. Official resources, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Embassy of India in the United States, offer guidance on legal avenues to emigrate from India to the US.

In conclusion, while the desire to seek new opportunities is understandable, ensuring that the path taken is lawful and safe for all involved is critical. The recent incident with the grounded flight serves as a reminder of the risks and consequences associated with attempting to circumvent immigration laws. Accurate information and legal compliance are the cornerstones of safe and successful emigration.

Well, folks, it looks like our adventure with the grounded flight has reached its conclusion. Remember, emigrating is like a tech gadget—stick to the user manual (aka immigration procedures) to avoid getting stuck like this plane! If you’re eager for more intriguing tales and helpful tips on immigration, head over to visaverge.com. Happy exploring, my tech-savvy friends!

This Article in a Nutshell:

French authorities grounded a chartered flight with mostly Indian passengers over suspicions of human trafficking. The Indian embassy in Paris is working to safeguard the welfare of the detainees. The airline claims ignorance of the trip’s purpose, but flight-tracking services reveal previous flights to Nicaragua. Emigrants must navigate legal processes to ensure safe, lawful journeys.

Share This Article
Facebook Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Email Copy Link Print
What do you think?
Happy0
Sad0
Angry0
Embarrass0
Surprise0
Robert Pyne
ByRobert Pyne
Editor
Follow:
Robert Pyne, a Professional Writer at VisaVerge.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique storytelling ability to the team. Specializing in long-form articles and in-depth analyses, Robert's writing offers comprehensive insights into various aspects of immigration and global travel. His work not only informs but also engages readers, providing them with a deeper understanding of the topics that matter most in the world of travel and immigration.
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
H-1B Workforce Analysis Widget | VisaVerge
Data Analysis
U.S. Workforce Breakdown
0.44%
of U.S. jobs are H-1B

They're Taking Our Jobs?

Federal data reveals H-1B workers hold less than half a percent of American jobs. See the full breakdown.

164M Jobs 730K H-1B 91% Citizens
Read Analysis
US Suspends Visa Processing for 75 Countries Beginning January 21, 2026
News

US Suspends Visa Processing for 75 Countries Beginning January 21, 2026

UK Dual Citizens: After Feb 2026 You Need UK/Irish Passport or Certificate
Passport

UK Dual Citizens: After Feb 2026 You Need UK/Irish Passport or Certificate

Complete List of 75 Countries Affected by Trump's Immigrant Visa Suspension
News

Complete List of 75 Countries Affected by Trump’s Immigrant Visa Suspension

Top 10 States with Highest ICE Arrests in 2025 (per 100k)
News

Top 10 States with Highest ICE Arrests in 2025 (per 100k)

2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates and Brackets by Filing Status
Taxes

2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates and Brackets by Filing Status

Americans Face Dual Citizenship Ban: What the Senate Bill Means Now
Citizenship

Americans Face Dual Citizenship Ban: What the Senate Bill Means Now

ICE Arrest Tactics Differ Sharply Between Red and Blue States, Data Shows
Immigration

ICE Arrest Tactics Differ Sharply Between Red and Blue States, Data Shows

A Comprehensive Analysis of ICE Arrest Data from Deportation Data Project
Immigration

A Comprehensive Analysis of ICE Arrest Data from Deportation Data Project

Year-End Financial Planning Widgets | VisaVerge
Tax Strategy Tool
Backdoor Roth IRA Calculator

High Earner? Use the Backdoor Strategy

Income too high for direct Roth contributions? Calculate your backdoor Roth IRA conversion and maximize tax-free retirement growth.

Contribute before Dec 31 for 2025 tax year
Calculate Now
Retirement Planning
Roth IRA Calculator

Plan Your Tax-Free Retirement

See how your Roth IRA contributions can grow tax-free over time and estimate your retirement savings.

  • 2025 contribution limits: $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)
  • Tax-free qualified withdrawals
  • No required minimum distributions
Estimate Growth
For Immigrants & Expats
Global 401(k) Calculator

Compare US & International Retirement Systems

Working in the US on a visa? Compare your 401(k) savings with retirement systems in your home country.

India UK Canada Australia Germany +More
Compare Systems

You Might Also Like

Protest in Chicago Against Trump’s Immigration Policies
News

Protest in Chicago Against Trump’s Immigration Policies

By Visa Verge
India Tightens OCI Rules: Convictions of 2+ Years Can Trigger Revocation
Citizenship

India Tightens OCI Rules: Convictions of 2+ Years Can Trigger Revocation

By Sai Sankar
Restoring a Rigorous, Holistic Good Moral Character Standard for Naturalization
Citizenship

Restoring a Rigorous, Holistic Good Moral Character Standard for Naturalization

By Jim Grey
2025 Immigration Policy Updates and Federal Aid Initiatives Overview
Immigration

2025 Immigration Policy Updates and Federal Aid Initiatives Overview

By Jim Grey
Show More
Official VisaVerge Logo Official VisaVerge Logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube Rss Instagram Android

About US


At VisaVerge, we understand that the journey of immigration and travel is more than just a process; it’s a deeply personal experience that shapes futures and fulfills dreams. Our mission is to demystify the intricacies of immigration laws, visa procedures, and travel information, making them accessible and understandable for everyone.

Trending
  • Canada
  • F1Visa
  • Guides
  • Legal
  • NRI
  • Questions
  • Situations
  • USCIS
Useful Links
  • History
  • USA 2026 Federal Holidays
  • UK Bank Holidays 2026
  • LinkInBio
  • My Saves
  • Resources Hub
  • Contact USCIS
web-app-manifest-512x512 web-app-manifest-512x512

2026 © VisaVerge. All Rights Reserved.

2026 All Rights Reserved by Marne Media LLP
  • About US
  • Community Guidelines
  • Contact US
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Ethics Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
wpDiscuz
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?