AIX Connect Move: Manager Removed from Duty for these reasons, Officials Apologize to Karnataka Governor

Bengaluru airport was the scene of an unfortunate incident last week, as a flight of budget airline AIX Connect departed without Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on board. The incident, which resulted in a complaint lodged by the Governor’s office, has prompted immediate action from AIX Connect, with the removal of the airport manager involved and an official apology from senior airline officials.

AIX Connect, formerly known as Air Asia India

AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia India and part of the Air India Group, has been grappling with the repercussions of the incident since July 27, when the flight destined for Hyderabad took off without the Governor due to an alleged delay in reporting. Following the incident, the Governor’s Protocol Officer, M Venugopal, lodged a complaint citing a “breach of protocol.”

The complaint stated that AIX Connect had scheduled Governor Gehlot to fly to Hyderabad on their flight at 2.05 pm on July 27. He arrived at Bengaluru’s Terminal-1 VIP Lounge at 1.35 pm, with his luggage already loaded onto the plane. However, an AIX Connect employee named Arif cited a delay in the Governor’s arrival and denied him entry despite the aircraft’s door still being open.

The complaint further alleged that the airline’s staff refused the Governor entry, leading to the unloading of his luggage and causing a delay of approximately 10 minutes. Despite Governor Gehlot’s presence near the aircraft ladder with the door still open, he was not allowed to board the flight, leading to a 90-minute delay before he could eventually take another flight to Hyderabad.

In response to the incident, AIX Connect acted swiftly and removed the airport manager in charge at the time of the incident. An investigation into the matter is currently underway to ascertain the facts and identify any lapses in protocol or procedure that may have contributed to the unfortunate event.

AIX Connect met Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot

Furthermore, senior officials from AIX Connect met with Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in Bengaluru to personally apologize for the incident. During the meeting, the airline’s senior officials informed the Karnataka Governor, Thaawarchand Gehlot, about the steps they were taking to investigate the matter thoroughly. The airline deeply regretted the incident and assured that it would take appropriate action based on the investigation’s findings.

The incident has been a matter of concern for the Governor, who holds a significant position as the first citizen of Karnataka. The alleged obstruction from discharging his official duty, resulting in a breach of protocol, has understandably deeply affected him and his office.

The incident has elicited a mixed public response, with some expressing understanding of the airline’s need to maintain punctuality and adhere to schedules, while others emphasize the importance of respecting the protocol of dignitaries. It remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold and what further actions may be taken in response to the incident.

AIX Connect has reassured its commitment to addressing the matter with utmost seriousness and sensitivity, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. As the investigation progresses, the airline will take proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future and uphold the dignity and protocol of all passengers, especially high-ranking dignitaries, at all times.

The Bengaluru airport incident has highlighted the crucial need for stringent protocols and effective communication between airlines and their passengers, particularly when it involves the transportation of esteemed individuals like Governor Gehlot. All eyes are now on the airline’s response and the actions taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

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