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This is an archive article published on July 28, 2023
Citing delay, AirAsia doesn’t let Governor of Karnataka board flight, later regrets
The Governor was not allowed to board the Hyderabad-bound aircraft by the airline staff, citing the closure of the flight door, said sources.
Gehlot was scheduled to catch the 2.05 pm AirAsia flight I5-972 from Bengaluru to Hyderabad.
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Citing delay, AirAsia doesn’t let Governor of Karnataka board flight, later regrets
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Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot’s office has written to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) over a “breach of protocol” after AirAsia did not let him board a flight to Hyderabad on July 27, citing delay.
Gehlot’s office has also written to the authorities of Kempegowda International Airport and AirAsia over the alleged incident.
Sources in the Governor’s office said Gehlot was due to take the 2.05 pm Bengaluru-Hyderabad flight and had reached the airport 15 minutes before take off. They said the Governor reached the airport’s VIP lounge at 1.50 pm and briefly used the restroom before being escorted to the aircraft.
AirAsia staff, however, did not allow Gehlot to board the aircraft, saying the flight door had been shut, the sources said. The Governor, who was travelling to Raichur via Hyderabad, had to take the next available flight to Hyderabad, around 90 minutes later.
“The Governor was not late and there was still five minutes for the take-off. The ATC and the flight attendants could have permitted the Governor to enter the flight. It is a violation of protocol. A letter has been written seeking legal action. This is the first time a Governor has not been allowed to board a flight after being on time,” sources said.
AIX Connect, which operates as AirAsia India, is a subsidiary of Air India Limited.
The airline expressed regret over the incident and said they are in touch with the Governor’s office to address the concerns, news agency PTI reported.
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“We sincerely regret the incident. An investigation is being conducted and appropriate action will be taken. The senior leadership team of the airline is in contact with the Governor’s Office to address the concerns,” an AIX Connect spokesperson said in a statement.
With PTI inputs
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