IndiGo lifts ban on TDP MP for ruckus at airport

Reddy meets airline officials; AI, SpiceJet also revoke order

IndiGo on Wednesday lifted the flying ban imposed on TDP MP Diwakar Reddy on charges of misbehaving with airline staff. Air India and SpiceJet, too, revoked the ban on the MP, while other airlines will soon follow suit.

“The issue is amicably resolved and IndiGo has decided to lift the said ban with immediate effect. Mr Diwakar Reddy is withdrawing the case he has filed,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.

The truce was mediated by TDP leader and Union Minister Y S Chaudhary during a luncheon meeting with IndiGo officials and Reddy.

“The Federation of Indian Airlines has also been informed about the decision. IndiGo appreciates and thanks member airlines for their continued support,” an IndiGo statement said.

Follows “urgent notices”
The decision came a day after the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad issued “urgent notices” to several airlines, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation based on a petition filed by Reddy, challenging the ban.

Jet Airways, Vistara, Air Asia and GoAir, too, had banned Reddy, and they are also likely to review their decision in the light of Wednesday’s developments.

On June 15, Reddy created a ruckus and targeted IndiGo staff at the Visakhapatnam airport after he was denied a boarding pass for reporting late for his flight to Hyderabad. He entered into a verbal spat with the IndiGo ground staff and even threw a printer kept at the airline’s counter.