Karnataka governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot denied boarding, airline says sorry | Bengaluru News – Times of India

BENGALURU: Karnataka governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot was allegedly denied boarding Thursday on AirAsia flight I5972 to Hyderabad amid disputed circumstances, with some accounts suggesting he had arrived late even as Raj Bhavan blamed airline staff for “lapses” and took up the matter with the civil aviation ministry. An airline spokesperson “sincerely regretted the incident” and said an investigation was being conducted.

The flight was scheduled to leave at 2.05pm from Terminal 1. Ground staff confirmed the governor’s team had arrived early with his bags. The plane, with the other passengers on board, was waiting for the governor but with no sign of Gehlot, it decided to take off without the VVIP.
Gehlot walked through the boarding gate at 2.07pm but by then, I5972 was already taxiing for take-off, the KIA sources said, adding the governor had arrived at the airport four minutes before departure.

A Raj Bhavan official pointed out that the governor’s bags were already in the aircraft. “Due to miscommunication by the airline, the governor could not board. The matter is serious, and we have taken it up with the civil aviation ministry,” the official said.
In an official statement, an AirAsia (now AIX Connect) spokesperson “sincerely regretted 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. 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 spokesperson said.
According to protocol, VVIPs wait at a special lounge and are escorted to the aircraft by airport staff and security personnel. They are usually the final passengers to board and do so after the gates close for regular fliers. Sources say Gehlot’s delay made things difficult for airline staff as accommodating the VVIP would have delayed the flight and inconvenienced others already on board. Gehlot took another flight 50 minutes later to Hyderabad. It could not be ascertained whether he was on an official or personal trip.