Dubai-based tycoon thrown off Air India flight

HEATED ARGUMENT: Abdul Wahab said on Tuesday he will raise the issue of his forced disembarkment in India's parliament.

Dubai-based Indian businessman and MP P.V. Abdul Wahab said on Tuesday he will raise the issue of his forced disembarkment from a domestic flight by state carrier Air India in India's Parliament.

Abdul Wahab, a member of upper house of parliament Rajya Sabha, said he was forced to get off the Kerala-based flight on Monday morning after an argument with the flight captain Rajat Rana, Times of India reported.

"I will take up the matter with my chairman of Rajya Sabha and move a privilege motion against the pilot," said Abdul Wahab, referring to raising the issue as a matter of great urgency and importance in parliament.

A tycoon with diversified real estate and shipping interests in the Gulf, Abdul Wahab was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2004 as a member of the Indian Union Muslim League political party. At the time, he said he was worth over $32 million.

Flying en-route to Dubai, Abdul Wahab said he had arrived well in advance to catch the Monday flight between the Keralite cities of Kozhikode and Kochi, which was running 20 minutes late from Bahrain, but had been delayed himself after being taken from the VIP lounge at the airport to the airplane.

"The captain, Rajat Rana, got into an argument with the duty manager who was accompanying me," said Abdul Wahab when he tried boarding the plane.

Abdul Wahab said that when he tried to intervene, the pilot said it was none of his business, and insisted he would not take off unless the MP was taken off the flight.

"I think the pilot was trying to make up the 20-minute delay [from Bahrain] which was why this incident happened," said Abdul Wahab, who was then put on to another Air India flight from Kozhikode to Dubai.

Rajat Rana, the pilot of the plane, maintains that he wanted to depart on-time for the sake of the other passengers.

"I have not done anything wrong in deplaning MP Wahab," said Rana, reported the Times of India. "The decision to order Wahab off the plane was in passenger interest."

Some sources claim the plane's depature was delayed because Abdul Wahab and his kin tried to board the plane 15 minutes after its scheduled departure time. Rana then summoned the local airport manager, who entered the aircraft with the MP, and told them that the plane would not depart until Abdul Wahab removed himself.

Srinivasan Rajachandrasekhar, the manager of Kozhikode airport in Kerala, has said an investigation will be launched into the incident.

"There was an argument between Abdul Wahab and Captain Rajat Rana - in the end, Abdul Wahab volunteered to get down from the flight," said Rajachandrasekhar. "Air India will launch an investigation into the incident."

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

READERS' COMMENTS

View all comments (24)

Have your say

Shame on you Mr. Abdul Wahab
Posted by M.P.B Nair, Calicut, India on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 11:35 UAE time


To say that I am shocked is an understatement when I read that MP Abdul Wahab is moving a motion in the Rajya Sabha. I urge to the MP's of Rajya Sabha not to give importance to this issue as it is clearly evident that he was late for the flight and is trying to cover his mistake by such blatant threats of raising this issue in the Rajya Sabha. My fellow country men I urge you all to stand by our Captain Rana and never allow a rich man's ego to be polished in our law making institution of Rajya Sabha. I have no quarrel in the fact that a former watch maker may not be in a position to understand the difference between a driver and a pilot. But over the period of his stay in Dubai and engaged in many succesful businesses and being able to step into the building of Rajya Sabha, that much sense must have been prevailing by this time.

MP Thrown out of plane
Posted by Sal, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 11:28 UAE time


The question here is if the passenger was a VVIP from Bombay, Shiv Sena, Delhi or North India captain would have done the same?! I doubt.

Kudos to Rajat Rana
Posted by Bijoy Nair, Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 11:26 UAE time

I would first like to congratulate Mr.Rana, the Commander of the Air India flight not allowing the self claimed "Sanctimonious" MP to board the flight. This should be treated as a role model as it has become a practice in India that any so called VVIP can take other's time for granted. I can understand that "MP ABDUL WAHAB" is delayed because of his "PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS" in the Rajya Sabha. I also read that our MP made a comment that the Pilot is none other than a GLORIFIED DRIVER. I wish that our MP had that much sense to know the difference of a taxi driver in Nilambur and a aircraft pilot. This is the fate of our DEMOCRACY.
Once again Kudos to Captain RANA.

Abdul Wahab
Posted by Justin Pereira, Sharjah, UAE on Tuesday 15 April 2008 at 14:48 UAE time

Certainly Mr. Abdul Wahab has to offer his apology to the pilot and to the entire nation as well. If he is a businessman and politician it doesn’t mean he has the right to humiliate someone who is responsible to carry hundreds of lives safely through air. It is absolutely regrettable to note that, just before the journey the MP had given traumatized psychological condition to the pilot, who should be in state of peace of mind to carryout his great responsibility.

Even if every day we hear lots of grievance about the flight attendants of Indian Airlines and Air India, we never heard about such an incident; that is with the commander of the Aircraft. Hence, it is very clear that Mr. Abdul Wahab is the offender.

Well done capt Rajat
Posted by john@uaeflyingclubs.com, DXB, INDIA on Tuesday 15 April 2008 at 00:09 UAE time


I have to personally congratulate Capt. Rajat for his bold stance for asking the management why the flight was delayed? Be it an Mp or PM an airline is an airline and the passengers should not be penalised for it. Great work Capt Rana, and hope that you will do the same again if this guy turns up late to board the plane. We are with you.

Abdul Wahab
Posted by Jane, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Sunday 13 April 2008 at 19:41 UAE time


Is this really of any interest to anyone? Surely this is a personal dispute between Air India and one of its disgruntled passengers; We don't even know the true facts of the case!

Rajat Rana
Posted by Vishal on Sunday 13 April 2008 at 11:15 UAE time


Is a hero....putting politicians in their place must be sweet satisfaction!

thrown off flight
Posted by Leo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Sunday 13 April 2008 at 09:39 UAE time


The captain of an airplane is the sole arbiter when it comes to issues of safety and management of his flight no matter how rich and influential any passenger feels he may be. Good for him and hope Air India supports his decision.

Money talks....... and you know the rest
Posted by Ex Dubai expat., Canada on Saturday 12 April 2008 at 21:27 UAE time


I would like to see this kind of people try to pull the same stunt here in North America. He might be thinking:" Yeah I am rich and I can make all these people get delayed." Old passengers, mothers with young infants who want the journey to finish before it starts. We all know how hectic a trip is when you are traveling with kids.

Finally, I think this kind of tabloid doesn't belong in this type of publishing. You should leave this to the enquirer and they will post it next to Britney Spears news updates.

deplaning of vip
Posted by bhushan drona, dubai, uae on Saturday 12 April 2008 at 17:08 UAE time


Deplaning a vip of the stature of Mr abdul wahab will have ramifications. air india already has many such problems where passengers are not given adequate attention despite travelling higher classes, forget abour economy class.I will appreciate the captain's stand , however, if the MP himself, or his family members did enter the plane illegally or made the departure delayed by their antics.They have no right to do so. As a passenger Mr Wahab or his party has to follow etiquettes as all are equal in eye of law.But Mr Wahab is a law abiding Indian and expatriate and is very reputed person both in the Gulf and India. He is also in the VVip list of all the major govts.Its difficult to digest that he was the real cause for his being deplaned.I feel sorry for him. But he is patient man and will definitely take the right course if he has to sue Air India.

Dubai based tycoon, trys to use influence to delay plane.
Posted by Glen, Dubai, U.A.E on Saturday 12 April 2008 at 09:20 UAE time

Your article with the Rajya Sabha's comment says it all with his comment, "I will take up the matter with my chairman of Rajya Sabha and move a privilege motion against the pilot,". His privileges may work in parliament but should not work on an International Airline.

Captain, Rajat Rana, should be commended for his action, if this is not the case it will open up many doors for Airport Managers and people who are able to convince them of their importance to overide an Airline Captains authority, which is to look after the safety and security of the passengers.

Rules are the same for Everyone !!
Posted by Sunil, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday 12 April 2008 at 08:00 UAE time


Its no Big Deal making this a news scoop !!! I guess we need more people like Mr. Rajat Rana, who see everyone on the same level. I guess having power and money isnt all. You need to first learn to use them with dignity and be a better human being !!! Hope he is never late again.

Business Tycoon Thrown off Air India Flight
Posted by Larry ALzaga, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Saturday 12 April 2008 at 03:48 UAE time


Its a pity to see government time and resources allocated to investigate a petty issue. Besides if the guy and his party cannot board on time - why inconvenience the other passengers? The Pilot was only doing what was right. Just because you're rich doesnt give you the right to inconveneince others - instead more understanding and wisdom is to be expected from people with responsibilities.

Good Show!
Posted by Varghese, Dubai on Friday 11 April 2008 at 20:28 UAE time

Good move by the pilot. It is not often that pilots, and others in the service industry stand up to this kind of behaviour by MPs, and others who can claim to be members of the government in any way. I just hope that the Mp in question does not manage to 'punish' the pilot in some way ... with his considerable clout.

So Important
Posted by Richard, Dubai, UAE on Friday 11 April 2008 at 12:20 UAE time


The airline should stand by its captain. If it is found the "VIP" delayed the flight and arrogantly inconvenienced other pasengers he should be banned by the airline.

Flight Delay
Posted by Sal, Dubai, UAE on Friday 11 April 2008 at 12:13 UAE time


While it is to be investigated whose fault it is. Generally high handedness of north indian people towards south indians are evident in south india especially in airline industry who has majority of mangement position enjoyed by north indians. I had bad experience in Calicut airport myself by an north indian airport manager who was very rude to me for no reason, although I was an international passenger (not a gulf-India). Indians never be able to treat people equally.

Bad Customer Service
Posted by Rajendar, Hyderabad, India on Friday 11 April 2008 at 09:40 UAE time

This is a clear case of misbehaviour with a customer by the pilot

WHY DID HE COME LATE?
Posted by Tony Ho, Singapore, Singapore on Thursday 10 April 2008 at 14:52 UAE time


I applaud and support the Captain decision that whether you are rich or politically importance should be removed from the flight as it shows how unrespectful Abdul Wahab is to the common people and the system by spending his time in the VIP lounge instead of boarding the plane early so that it can fly on schedule. Bravo to the Captain who is brave and righteous.

Laud the pilot
Posted by Rakesh, Sharjah, UAE on Thursday 10 April 2008 at 12:04 UAE time


I am glad at least one pilot stood up against these fancy business tycoons and politicians who take it as their birthright to arrive late. I really wish other pilots emulate Capt Rajat Rana. Bravo Captain!!

How does a "Dubai based" anybody get into an Indian Parliamant?
Posted by Kieran, London, UK on Thursday 10 April 2008 at 11:56 UAE time


Surely politicians have a moral and legal obligation to work exclusively for their electorate during their tenure in the upper house?

That obligation would surely sit ill with being based in a foreign country.

I guess most readers will understand just where this politician's heart and soul reside and they are not in the house of the Indian public's best interests. Why should he be able to pull rank in a public service like an airline?

If he's such a big shot, let him charter his own planes.

Equality
Posted by Melek, Turkey on Thursday 10 April 2008 at 10:15 UAE time


Money and Fame does not give anyperson the right to do whatever he wants to do for his/her own benefit. I may not know the reason why the man got late... but In my thoughts as what almost all rich and famous personalities are... they always want a special treatment to prove that they are different from others because of their class level. This tycoon's ego was deeply hurt by by the captain so he wanted to get even by of course making his money move and play around and do the revenge for him. This is just one of the sad reality in the 'temporary' world we are living in.

Deplaning
Posted by Rodger, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday 10 April 2008 at 09:27 UAE time


It seems that politicians are the same the world over - so full of their own importance that they think their personal disputes are a matter of national interest. Anyway, according to the article, this guy lives in Dubai, so how can he effectively represent his constituents in the Indian parliament?

Timely Departure
Posted by H.Nair, Dubai on Thursday 10 April 2008 at 09:14 UAE time


Well...i believe what the Pilot had done is correct. The Commander of the Aircraft has the duty to make sure that people who boarded on time should not be made to wait for late coming Financial and Political Heavy-weights. There is other news emerging from other media that Mr. Abdul Wahab even entered the cockpit forcibly to start a fight with the Captain !!

WHY DID HE COME LATE?
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on Wednesday 9 April 2008 at 17:17 UAE time

If you are late and delay a plane full of people, does it matter how rich anyone is?

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM