When the MP’s agent attempted to book a ticket on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Pune, the airline refused to do so. All other airlines took the same stand and Gaikwad might now have to travel by train to get to his constituency in Maharashtra. This is a rare show of camaraderie by airline companies against the political class. But the political class being what it is will hit back and airlines have to be ready for the backlash. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has stated that the govt is examining the legality of the action taken against Gaikwad by airlines. We all know which way this inquiry will go and our support lies with the airlines because there is no justification for MPs throwing their weight around and an assault is still an assault. Instead of trying to penalize the airlines, the Centre, must start blacklisting passengers who misbehave with ground and cabin crew. There isn’t a better way of reigning in rowdy politicians.
No fly zone
When Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad decided to abuse and assault an Air India staffer he thought he would get away with it. The airline hit back by cancelling his return ticket.
