New Delhi:
India's national carrier Air India suspended the services of three employees and warned the pilot for arriving late after over 100 passengers, including Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju, had to wait inside a plane for over an hour on Wednesday.
The Civil Aviation minister demanded an explanation from new Air India chief Pradeep Kharola after angry passengers questioned him and demanded to know why their flight from Delhi to Vijaywada was not taking off.
Mr Raju, surrounded by protesting passengers, phoned Mr Kharola from the aircraft. The airline's spokesperson, GP Rao, confirmed that flight AI 459 was delayed on Wednesday morning by around one and a half hours.
"Passengers protested and questioned minister Raju on the delay in the flight. Immediately the minister asked Air India CMD Pradeep Kharola about the reason for the delay," Mr Rao said.
''Flight finally took off for Vijayawada after 1.30 hours. Meanwhile, Air India took action against three staffers, who have been suspended and a warning letter has been issued to the captain for reaching the airport late,'' said Air India Spokesperson GP Rao.
Meanwhile, Air India suspended three staffers and issued a warning letter to a captain for the delay in reaching the airport late on Wednesday.
