Check in here for Asylum Air
VIENNA: In what must be the most bizarre reason yet for starting a new niche airline, two businessmen in Europe are reported to be launching an airline exclusively for failed asylum seekers.
Asylum Airlines says in will be ready for take-off within three months, reports AAP.
The flights will journey around Europe, picking up failed asylum seekers from various countries and then dispatching them back to their home nations around Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Austrian deportation lawyer Hermann Heller and Austrian aviation consultant Heinz Berger told the Daily Express newspaper the new airline is in negotiations with several governments across Europe.
It was being promoted as a cost-efficient option for governments compared to the current arrangements on board commercial flights, with Britain reportedly spending STG315,000 recently to deport 15 Iraqis.
“Here in Austria, every time a deportee is sent home on a regular flight, they need three seats, not just for the deportee but for the policemen on either side,” Heller said.
“Many airlines have already stopped taking asylum seekers home because of unpleasant scenes.
“With a professional service the deportations will be faster, chains will not be needed and the deportees can enjoy a meal.”
The planned flights will have guards, medical staff and a representative of a human rights group on board.
Ian Jarrett
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