The Hindu : National : MP ejected as pilot protests

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Tuesday, Apr 08, 2008
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MP ejected as pilot protests

Staff Reporter

MALAPPURAM: P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP, was reportedly evicted from an Air India flight at the Calicut International Airport on Monday following a verbal exchange with the captain. Airline officials, however, said Mr. Wahab got off the plane on his own and preferred to travel by another aircraft.

Witnesses said the captain of flight IC-998 had an altercation with the MP over his delay in boarding. Mr. Wahab, who was travelling to Dubai, is said to have reached the airport in time for the 8.55 a.m. flight bound for Kochi. The officials said the flight was delayed by nearly 30 minutes as there was a stretcher passenger on its inward journey from Doha.

When Mr. Wahab approached the aircraft with the duty manager of Air India, captain Rajat Rana reportedly shouted at the duty manager for the delay.

Mr. Wahab later entered into an exchange of words with the captain, who then refused to fly with the MP on board. Following this, Mr. Wahab got off the aircraft and the flight left at 9.35 a.m.

Airline sources said the captain was incensed as Mr. Wahab entered the cockpit to argue with him.

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