Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s return to Mumbai was delayed by nearly an hour on Friday evening after the pilot of his private aircraft refused to operate the flight, citing the end of his duty hours and ill health.
The incident occurred at Jalgaon airport, where Shinde arrived late in the evening after participating in the 'Palkhi Yatra' of Sant Muktai in Muktainagar. The Shiv Sena leader was accompanied by state ministers Girish Mahajan, Gulabrao Patil, and other administrative officials.
Shinde was initially expected to reach Jalgaon by 3:45 p.m., but his arrival was delayed by more than two hours due to technical issues. He then travelled to Muktainagar by road, attended the religious procession, and visited the Sant Muktai temple before heading back to the airport at around 9:15 p.m.
Sources said the pilot declined to operate the return flight, explaining that his official duty hours had ended and a fresh clearance would be required before he could fly. The pilot also reportedly mentioned health concerns.
Ministers Mahajan and Patil, along with other officials, attempted to convince the pilot for nearly 45 minutes. Eventually, with assistance from the airline company and additional clearance, the pilot agreed to proceed with the flight to Mumbai.
“There were minor technical difficulties and a health issue involving the pilot. We discussed the matter with the airline, and they resolved it. It wasn’t a major problem,” Mahajan told reporters.
During the return flight, Shinde and his team also assisted a woman in urgent need of medical treatment. Sheetal Patil, a kidney patient, and her husband had missed their commercial flight to Mumbai. Upon learning of the situation, Mahajan offered them seats on Shinde’s aircraft.
Ambulance services were arranged at Mumbai airport to transport the woman to the hospital upon arrival.
“Despite his position, Eknath Shinde has not forgotten his roots. He remains sensitive to the needs of ordinary citizens,” Patil said.
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