Pilot sacked by GoAir for ‘derogatory tweet on PM’ is an IAF veteran; move triggers call to boycott airline

It has emerged from media reports that the pilot whose services were terminated by low-cost airline GoAir for allegedly posting ‘derogatory remarks against the PM’ on his Twitter account is an Indian Air Force veteran who served in the IAF for 25 years.

Captain Miki Malik had tweeted on Thursday: “PM is an idiot. You can call me same in return. It’s ok. I don’t matter. Bcoz I am not PM. But PM is an idiot. Period”.

He has since deleted the tweet and locked his Twitter account.

He also tweeted an apology. “I apologise for my tweets about PM, other offensive tweets which may have hurt sentiments of anyone associated. I convey that GoAir is not associated with any of my tweets directly or indirectly as they were personal views,” he posted.

As per media reports, a GoAir spokesperson, confirmed the sacking of the pilot, saying: “GoAir has zero tolerance policy and it is mandatory for all GoAir employees to comply with the company’s employment rules, regulations and policies, including social media behaviour. The airline does not associate itself with personal views expressed by any individual or an employee. GoAir has terminated the services of the captain with immediate effect”.

The development triggered a social media debate with a number of users taking to Twitter to criticise the airline’s move to fire the pilot and giving a call to boycott it.

Here is a compilation of a few such tweets:

‘All the freedom of speech warriors should fight for the pilot and request PM to get him reinstated in his job ....will they ...I am dead sure not ...’

‘Hello veterans, Ernest appeal, Boycott GoAir. An airlines which gets under pressure by one fake veteran n acts against a senior pilot, a veteran, can never be a good one to fly with.

‘Go Air action to fire a senior pilot and a veteran for freedom of expression not linked to his duties in Go Air is deplorable and shows the lack of understanding of the fundamental rights and constitution. The Top Management is weak-kneed . Shameful.’

‘Go air sacked a pilot for comments on PM ..kya maazak hein’

‘A Go Air Pilot is sacked for Tweeting "PM is an Idiot".I condemn Go Air for the action but also salute them for understanding which PM !!’

‘By suspending the Pilot, Go Air has made the tweet of him calling PM Idiot go viral. IsKo bolte hai asli desh bhakt airline.’

‘Isn't the suspended Go Air pilot an IAF veteran? Yet he was suspended for criticizing the PM. Where's FOE crusaders like Tejaswi Surjya or Amit Malviya?’

‘The concept of Freedom of Speech has not dawned on many people and organisations. @goairlinesindia firing its pilot for views on personal social media accounts tells a sorry tale. Its a while since I flew Go Air. Will not fly with them ever #BoycottGoAir’

‘Now the Pilot wrote PM is an Idiot, not Indian PM.. How did Go Air managment know which PM ?? India wants to know...’