Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, who was scheduled to fly from Bengaluru to Hyderabad on July 27, was stranded at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after the AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) flight took off without him.
Mr. Gehlot was to travel on flight I5972, which was scheduled to depart at 2.05 p.m. from Terminal 2. The flight took off at 2.12 p.m. without the Governor.
The airline confirmed that Mr. Gehlot was scheduled to travel on the flight and that he missed it. Regretting the incident, AIX Connect has ordered an investigation into the incident.
“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 their 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 airline spokesperson said on July 28.
Governor arrived late
Sources said that the Governor arrived at the airport just four minutes prior to the departure of the flight. However, Governor’s office contradicted this claim.
“As per the departure schedule, the flight was to leave at 2.05 p.m., but the Governor arrived at the airport only at 2.01 p.m. Adhering to safety protocol, doors of the aircraft are closed 10-15 minutes prior to its departure, and the cabin crew, thereafter, conduct the in-flight safety briefing to passengers,” according to a source.
The sources added that once the doors of the aircraft were closed, as they were in this case, it is the prerogative of the captain to open the doors to allow a passenger to board the aircraft.
Mr. Gehlot left for Hyderabad a few hours later by another AIX Connect flight.
Complaint lodged
M. Venugopal, protocol officer, Raj Bhavan, has filed a complaint at the KIA police station against the airline staff. The complaint stated that Mr. Gehlot reached KIA Terminal VIP Lounge in Terminal-1 at 1.35 pm, and by that time, the luggage of the Governor had been checked in.
Mr. Venugopal, in the complaint, stated that the Governor arrived near the aircraft at 2.05 p.m., but the staff member did not allow the Governor to enter the aircraft.
“The Governor waited near the aircraft for 10 minutes, and the door of the flight was also open, but he was not allowed inside. Later the Governor went back to the VIP lounge,” said the complaint, adding, “As the Governor is the first citizen of the State, this incident was an embarrassment to the Governor.”
