M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development, had an epic breakdown on Twitter on Tuesday after he missed out on an important meeting, all thanks to Air India.
“I had to travel to Hyderabad by Air India AI544 which is to depart at 1315 Hrs… was told on time.. reached airport by 1230 Hrs. 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,” an angry Naidu tweeted.
Demanding an explanation for the delay, Naidu said, “Air India should explain how such things are happening. Transparency and accountability are the need of the hour.” “Hope Air India understands that we are in the age of competition. Missed an important appointment,” he tweeted.
It is quite rare to see a minister slamming state-run enterprises in public, and just as we were wondering how Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju would react to this, prompt came his tweet.
“Service disruptions are unacceptable and have to be eliminated. Have asked AI to enquire and take action on priority,” Gajapathi Raju tweeted.
According to a statement issued by Air India, the pilot was stuck in a traffic because of which he could not report on time for the flight.
"We deeply regret the inconvenience caused due to flight delay. The pilot was stuck in traffic jam. Enquiry has been ordered," Air India said.
The Hyderabad bound flight finally took off from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 2.28 pm, a little more than an hour late from its scheduled departure.
