State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board Minister, K.R. Periyakaruppan, has complained to Air India's head office that his ticket for Madurai-bound flight IC-671 on August 3 was not confirmed though another person travelled in business class with a ticket issued on a ‘subject-to-availability' basis.
According to airport sources, the Minister bought a waitlisted business class ticket at the airport. When he came to the airport, airlines officials told him that the ticket could not be confirmed as the flight was full.
However, a relative of the Air India General Manager was issued an industrial fare ticket in the same business class and allocated seat number 3D. When this came to light, the Minister preferred a complaint.
Airport sources said as per procedure those who bought ticket should be given priority. The passenger provided accommodation on the flight was recorded as a ‘standby passenger' and provided confirmed seat.
The complaint letter from the Minister wanted the airline to take action against the General Manager, Air India, Chennai, “who misused his official powers.” Owing to his action all the Minister's programmes for the day were disturbed. The complainant also wanted the national carrier to inform about the action taken against the official.
