National News

Madurai Couple Ties Nuptial Nod Mid-Air, Flouts COVID-19 Protocol

The Madurai couple decided to cement their unique bond of love by getting married in the sky and booked an entire chartered flight.

Sentinel Digital Desk

Marriages are said to be made in heaven, and a couple from Madurai took this saying a little too seriously.

This couple  brought their wedding ceremony to a whole new stage when they wanted to tie the knot in mid air. 

The Madurai couple decided to cement their unique bond of love by getting married in the sky and booked an entire chartered flight. They flew from Madurai to Bengaluru when the wedding ceremony took place in the air, and the couple's relatives were on board.

In many pictures that have gone viral on the internet, the groom is seen tying the mangalsutra and getting photographed with his new bride. The photographer in one shot, according to news agency ANI, encourages them to pose for the camera.

There are also photos of the aircraft's interior, including people sitting and enjoying the function, as well as relatives and visitors standing behind the couple. They were often seen without face masks and not following Covid-19 guidelines.

"A SpiceJet Boeing 737 was chartered by a travel agent in Madurai on 23 May for a group of passengers for a joy ride post their wedding," said Spicejet reacted to the incident.

The airline also stated that the client was given a thorough explanation of the Covid-19 guidelines and was refused permission to conduct any operation on board.

"Despite repeated requests and reminders, the passengers didn't follow Covid guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action as per rules," SpiceJet added.

Officials said they were unaware of the mid-air wedding, according to sources.

"A SpiceJet chartered flight was booked yesterday from Madurai. Airport Authority officials were unaware of the mid-air marriage ceremony", said Madurai Airport Director, S Senthil Valavan.

The bride is dressed in a saree and is bedecked with flowers and jewellery in videos that have gone viral on social media. The groom is also dressed in traditional south Indian attire.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into allegations of a mid-air marriage ceremony and has directed the crew to be taken off duty.

The DGCA has also requested the filing of a lawsuit against all passengers who participated in the onboard wedding celebration and acted inappropriately according to Covid-19.

"Crew members are off rostered. Airline directed to lodge a complaint against those not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour with relevant authorities," a DGCA official told ANI.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Tamil Nadu recorded 35,483 new Covid-19 cases and 422 deaths, a decrease from the previous day. The total number of cases is 18,42,344 and the death rate is 20,468.

Due to continuing coronavirus restrictions, the state is reportedly under lockdown until May 31.