December 14, 2017 TnH Global

Air India flight with aviation minister delayed, 3 officials suspended

Civil aviation minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju was travelling in an Air India flight which was delayed when three Air India staff members and the pilot reached late for duty.

Three Air India staff members were suspended and a warning letter was issued to a pilot after they reached late for duty and delayed a flight by one-and-half hours with over 100 passengers onboard, including civil aviation minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who faced the heat of the agitated passengers.

The incident involving the Air India flight from Delhi to Vijaywada came to light on Wednesday.

“The flight was scheduled at 6am from Delhi but after getting delayed for around 1.30 hours, it finally took off for Vijaywada. Air India took action against the three staffers who have been suspended and a warning letter has been issued to the captain for reaching the airport late,” Air India spokesperson GP Rao said, confirming the incident.

According to Air India sources, the pilots reported late for duty leaving the waiting passengers furious. The passengers then reached aviation minister Raju, who was sitting in the business class section and was on his way to Vijaywada, asking him about the delay.

Raju immediately contacted the airlines security and asked newly-appointed Air India chairman and managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola the reason behind the delay, after which appropriate action was taken.