Air India suspends three officials who delayed Delhi-Vijaywada flight

National passenger carrier Air India has suspended three officials for causing a delay in the departure of Delhi-Vijaywada flight.

Accoring to an airline official, the incident occurred on Wednesday morning, when Air India's AI 459 Delhi to Vijaywada flight ferrying 125 passengers including Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju was delayed.

"Our CMD (Chairman and Managing Director) has taken strict action for the confusion created and subsequent delay of the flight," a senior AI official said on Thursday.

"Three officials have been suspended and a warning letter has been issued to the Captain for reporting late by 15 minutes."

Airline sources said that Raju called up Air India's new CMD Pradeep Singh Kharola from the aircraft and asked about the reasons for delay. Subsequently, strict action was taken against the officials.

Kharola, who took charge on last Monday, has also called for a meeting with airline's senior officials over the incident.

--IANS

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