Airlines lift flying ban on TDP MP after compromise

Three major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, on Wednesday lifted the flying ban on TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy after the warring parties reached a compromise.

Under the compromise formula, IndiGo, which had accused Reddy of "aggressive and abusive" behaviour against its staff last month, agreed to lift the ban and Reddy to withdraw the court case against several domestic airlines forbidding him from flying on their aircraft. The development came a day after "urgent" notices from court to the government and aviation regulator on the lawmaker's plea against the action of domestic carriers.

"The issue is amicably resolved and IndiGo has decided to lift the said ban with immediate effect. Mr Reddy is withdrawing the case he has filed," an IndiGo spokesperson said after a compromise was reached, ending Reddy's month-long boycott during which he reportedly hired an aircraft to fly to Delhi to cast his vote in the presidential election.

Soon after the announcement by IndiGO, Air India and Spicejet, too, revoked the ban. Other domestic carriers are likely to follow suit soon.

The development came a day after the Hyderabad High Court issued "urgent" notices to several airlines, ministry of civil aviation, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a petition filed by Reddy challenging the ban. The decision taken by IndiGo followed a meeting between its officials and Reddy, which was mediated by MP YS Chaudhary.

An Air India spokesperson said the airline has also decided to remove the ban.

SpiceJet spokesperson said, "We have lifted the ban".

Jet Airways, Vistara, Air Asia and GoAir too had banned Reddy after the June 15 incident and they were also likely to review their decision in light of developments.