Air India has been told to remove Shiva Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad from its ‘no fly list’ after pressure from Gaikwad’s party on the central government.
According to reports, the MP had tried to book flight tickets again today morning, but could not.
However, Air India has now removed the ban on his flying.
The civil aviation ministry instructed Air India to allow the passenger to fly since he had tendered his apology to the speaker of Lok Sabha.
Gaikwad was prohibited from flying on any airline after he allegedly assaulted a 60-year-old employee of Air India, India’s flag carrier. All other carriers had also put the MP on a no fly list.
“I don’t see how the (civil aviation) ministry can ask Air India to lift the ban,” said DS Reddy, president of Air Passengers Association, who expressed his disapproval of the move.
Private airlines have not yet lifted their prohibition, and are likely to take a call tomorrow.
The MP also faces an ongoing case for assaulting a public servant in the discharge of his duties.