New Delhi: AirAsia on Friday ordered an investigation after its aircraft took off from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru without taking Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on board, news agency ANI reported.
“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. Our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and adherence to protocol remains unwavering, and we deeply value our relationship with the Governor's Office,” ANI quoted an AirAsia spokesperson as saying.
Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon from Terminal-2 from where he was to visit Raichur by road to attend a convocation, PTI reported citing sources. According to PTI, Gehlot’s luggage was loaded as soon as the flight had arrived but there was said to be a delay in him reaching the terminal.
By the time he could reach from the VIP lounge to board the flight, the plane took off for Hyderabad, the news agency reported.
“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,” The Indian Express quoted sources familiar with the incident, as saying.