KC Venugopal urges Aviation Minister to intervene in Air India Express compensation denial

The Air India Express has refused any compensation to the family stating that it was not responsible for Rajesh's death.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal wrote to the Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on behalf of the family of Kerala’s Karamana, seeking compensation for the cancelled flight. The family faced the demise of a member on May 13 and due to the cancellation of a flight his wife could not be by his side during his final moments.

The Air India Express has refused any compensation to the family stating that it was not responsible for Rajesh’s death.

In the letter by Venugopal, he stated that “the need for fair compensation for the family of Late Mr. Nambi Rajesh. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough already, but unfair actions on part of airlines – denying compensation or refund for a cancelled – is unimaginably painful and no family should undergo such injustice. I sincerely hope the family is given all the necessary support and justice in this difficult time.”

The same letter was also shared on the social media platform, X. The letter mentioned the reason behind the cancellation of the flight, “Mr. Rajesh, a 40-year-old native of Karamana, collapsed at his workplace and subsequently passed away in a Muscat hospital. Adding to the family’s griet, his wife. Mrs. Amritha C. was unable to be by his side during his final moments due to the cancellation of her flight. This cancellation was a result of a strike called by the cabin crew of Air India Express.”

In his letter, Venugopal highlighted that Amritha had been unable to secure a flight ticket for two days and claimed that her husband, Rajesh, could have survived if she had been with him when he was hospitalized.

“Furthermore, Mrs. Amritha was unable to secure a ticket on the flight for two days. The family claims that Air India Express refused to provide a refund, leading to the cancellation of Mrs. Amritha’s trip.

In her letter to the airline, Mrs. Amritha requested compensation, claiming that Mr. Rajesh might have survived if she had been by his side during his hospitalization,” stated the Congress General Secretary.

Venugopal urged the Minister to intervene and direct the airline to compensate Rajesh’s family. He added, “Such an intervention would not only bring solace to Mrs. Amritha and her family but also reinforce the commitment to protect and support citizens in times of distress. I trust that you will consider this matter with the urgency and compassion it deserves and look forward to your positive response and timely action.”

(With ANI inputs)