According to sources, the governor was supposed to take AirAsia to fly to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon from Terminal-2.
Published Jul 28, 2023 | 1:49 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 28, 2023 | 4:05 PM
AirAsia flight takes off without Karnataka Governor on board. (Wikimedia)
In a breach of protocol, an AirAsia flight took off from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Thursday, 27 July, without taking Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on board, though he was waiting at the airport lounge, official sources said.
The protocol officers of the Governor have lodged a complaint at the Airport police station, a police officer told PTI, requesting anonymity.
According to sources, Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon from Terminal 2 en route to Raichur to attend a convocation.
As soon as the AirAsia flight arrived, Gehlot’s luggage was loaded. However, Gehlot reportedly reached the terminal late, the sources added.
By the time he reached the boarding gate from the VIP lounge, the flight had taken off, sources said.
The Governor’s Protocol Officer M Venugopal lodged a complaint at the airport police station seeking action against AirAsia AIX Connect and the airline officials responsible for it.
According to the complaint, Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon from Terminal-2 by boarding AIX Connect’s flight number I5 972 at 2.05 pm
“Accordingly, the Governor left Raj Bhavan at 1.10 pm and reached the VIP Lounge of the Terminal-1 at 1.35 pm. By that time, the luggage belonging to the Governor was loaded onto the plane,” it said.
The protocol officer added that he, along with Airport Guest Relations Assistant Sanskriti, made arrangements for the Governor to board. He said he also informed the ADC to the Governor to reach Terminal-2.
The Governor reached the ladder of the plane at 2.06 pm.
“However, AirAsia (AIX Connect) employee Arif denied entry to the Governor, saying that there was a delay in arrival, though the door of the plane was still open,” the complaint alleged.
“Besides this, the Governor’s luggage was unloaded in which 10 minutes were lost. The Governor was still standing near the ladder, and the door of the plane was still open. Yet, the Governor was ignored and insulted by not allowing him inside the flight,” Venugopal said.
Gehlot later returned to the VIP Lounge, he stated.
“This incident has deeply hurt the Governor, who is the first citizen of Karnataka. By obstructing him from discharging his official duty, his protocol has been breached. We request you to initiate legal action against (AIX Connect Station Manager) Zico Soares, Arif and AirAsia (AIX Connect),” the complaint said.
After 90 minutes, the Governor took another flight to Hyderabad, sources said
An AirAsia AIX Connect Spokesperson said, “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.”
An official of the Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA, said, “We usually do not comment on airline-related matters. Please check with AirAsia.”
(With PTI inputs)
