Bengaluru, March 23 (IANS): The Bengaluru French Consulate on Monday offered to arrange special flights for French tourists to ensure their safe return to their country, following the suspension of commercial flights.

"Commercial flights are now suspended. We are trying to set up special flights to organize the return to France of tourists," said an official consulate social media post.

The consulate invited all French tourists currently stationed in the three states of Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to contact.

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"In this perspective, if you are currently in Karnataka, Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, and have not yet reported to the Consulate General, please send your full contact details as soon as possible," said the consulate in French and English.

French tourists have to send their name, first name, passport number, date of birth and telephone number to admin-francais.bangalore-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr

"The French embassy is trying to arrange special flights from Delhi to organize your return to France. If you are in Karnataka, Telangana and AP, see you as soon as possible in New Delhi and report to the embassy," the consulate's post added.

Earlier on March 12, the French consulate advised all French nationals and travellers from airports in France to avoid travelling to India as such arrivals have been restricted in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

"Restrictions have been put by local authorities. Travellers of French nationality or from French airports are no longer admitted to India," said a consulate post.

The consulate recommended postponing travel to India until further notice.