Minister Venkaiah Naidu said he was told the flight was delayed because of the pilot.
New Delhi:
A furious Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today hit out at Air India in a series of tweets after a delayed flight led to a missed appointment. He got an apology, and an unusual reason - the pilot was stuck in a traffic jam.
The minister says he reached the airport at around 12.30 pm for his flight to Hyderabad at around 1.15 pm, only to be told that the pilot had not showed up. That set off a volley on social media against the flag carrier.
Mr Naidu, who was reportedly heading for a meeting on the "Swachch Bharat" campaign, said he waited for half an hour and left. The flight left at 2.30 pm.
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said he had asked the airline to investigate and take action.
The minister says he reached the airport at around 12.30 pm for his flight to Hyderabad at around 1.15 pm, only to be told that the pilot had not showed up. That set off a volley on social media against the flag carrier.
Mr Naidu, who was reportedly heading for a meeting on the "Swachch Bharat" campaign, said he waited for half an hour and left. The flight left at 2.30 pm.
was informed at 1315hrs that flight was delayed as d pilot had not yet come.Waited up to 1345 Hrs, boarding didn't start.returned 2 home 2/
- M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 28, 2016
Air India should explain how such things are happening. Transparency and accountability are the need of the hour. 3/
- M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 28, 2016
In its response, Air India said: "We deeply regret the inconvenience caused due to flight delay. The pilot was stuck in traffic jam."Hope Air India understands that we are in the age of competition. Missed an important appointment.4
- M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 28, 2016
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said he had asked the airline to investigate and take action.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
