the goan I network
PONDA
The BJP and MGP may have severed political relations, but that did not stop an MGP leader from seeking the intervention of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant when he along with several passengers were stranded following an inordinate flight delay at the Mumbai airport on Thursday night.
Speaking to reporters,
MGP leader Dr Bhatikar said he along with several other passengers had been scheduled to leave by an Air India flight from Mumbai to Goa at 9.30 pm on Thursday.
“The flight was first delayed and it was then announced that it was rescheduled for 11.30 pm. Even though the aircraft was available, inquiries with the airlines ground staff revealed that the pilot would not fly the aircraft due to some unknown reason,” said Dr Bhatikar.
The unhappy passengers, who were stranded at Mumbai airport, began to confront the ground staff over the prolonged delay in the flight.
“Given these uncertainties and growing anger among the many stranded passengers, I contacted the chief minister at 1.30 am and briefed him about the situation. The chief minister was quick to get in touch with the Mumbai airport officials and also made food and refreshments available to the stranded
passengers.”
“The chief minister also ensured that passengers were sent to Goa on an alternate flight. I was in constant touch with the chief minister till we boarded the aircraft,” added Dr Bhatikar and thanked Sawant for his intervention in ensuring all facilities were made available to the Air India passengers bound for Goa.
