AirAsia launched an investigation after a Bengaluru-Hyderabad flight took off without one of their passengers - Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. Mr Gehlot was waiting at the airport lounge and had already checked in his luggage.
The Governor's team lodged a complaint at the Kempegowda International Airport police station calling this a breach of protocol.
According to sources, Mr 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.
The Governor's Protocol Officer M Venugopal lodged a complaint at the Airport police station seeking action against AIX Connect and the airline officials responsible for it.
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,” according to the complaint.
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,” Mr Venugopal said. Mr Gehlot later returned to the VIP Lounge, he stated.
The airlines said that it sincerely regrets the incident and will take appropriate action after a thorough investigation.
"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," AirAsia said in a statement.
"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.” the airlines said.
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