PUTTAPARTHI (ANANTAPUR): Union minister Piyush Goyal had an embarrassing situation when the Puttaparthi airport authorities did not permit his helicopter's take-off for Bengaluru on Tuesday, on the ground that it did not have Air Traffic Clearance.
The minister, as a result, had to travel by road to reach Devanahalli international airport after attending the World Youth Festival at Prasanthi Nilayam. Goyal, who handles the departments of power, coal and new and renewable energy, was the chief guest at the three-day festival at Prasanthi Nilayam. He arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam by road on Tuesday morning. After taking part in the mega event and having darshan at the Mahasamadhi of Sri Satya Saibaba, the minister was scheduled to travel by helicopter from Puttaparhi airport on Tuesday afternoon.
Puttaparthi airport authorities told the chopper pilot that he should have taken AT Clearance at least a day in advance. Sources said the minister was agitated over the scenario. He, however, left by NH-44 on his way to Bengaluru.
