Chennai-Abu Dhabi flight returns due to 'technical issue'
Chennai (PTI): An Etihad Airways Chennai-Abu Dhabi flight on Tuesday returned due to a technical issue and there was no "fire", the airline said.
The airline statement came after reports quoting Chennai airport officials said that there was a fire on the left wing of the flight.
"Etihad Airways flight EY343 from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on 12 May returned to the gate prior to departure due to a technical issue and guests were subsequently disembarked."
"The flight is currently expected to depart approximately three hours behind schedule," the airline said in a statement.
Emergency services were activated as a precautionary measure, based on the Chennai International Airport (MAA) safety protocols, it said.
"We apologise for the inconvenience and our teams are assisting guests with their onward journey," it said.
The safety and comfort of its guests and crew remains Etihad's "highest priority," the airline added.
The operator also denied there was a fire onboard the aircraft.
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Hijab decision taken out of fear of Karnataka Muslim convention, alleges Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru: Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that the Karnataka government announced its decision on the hijab issue out of fear of the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on May 16 organized by Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations.
Addressing a press conference at the JD(S) state office, GP Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Thursday, Kumaraswamy said he respects all religions and has expressed his views on the issue on several public platforms in the past.
Questioning the timing of the government’s move, he said the Congress has been in power for three years and had taken no decision on the hijab issue during that period.
He alleged that the decision was taken only because the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ is scheduled to be held at Town Hall in Bengaluru on May 16.
“If the government had the courage, it should have taken this decision immediately after coming to power. Why did it remain silent for three years?” he asked.
Kumaraswamy accused the Congress of making the announcement to appease a particular community.
He further said the matter is still pending before the courts and claimed that an interim order relating to the hijab issue remains in force.
According to him, issuing such an order before the legal proceedings are concluded amounts to disrespect towards the judiciary.
Kumaraswamy also alleged that the Congress brought the issue back into focus after the Davanagere by-election results.
