Buddhist monk Bhante Pannakara and ‘Peace Dog’ Aloka, who were stranded at Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday morning after a dispute over required documents, have left for Delhi on Air India’s second flight. According to Anil Kumar, Air India’s Kathmandu airport manager, even though boarding was delayed on the morning flight, the company made ‘special arrangements’ and sent them to Delhi on the second flight at 10 am.

‘We have already sent the monk and the dog Aloka on the 10 am flight. He has travelled in the same class as the ticket he purchased,’ Kumar said. ‘A seat next to him has also been kept empty to make the dog comfortable.’

Earlier, Air India had not given boarding permission to Aloka as a ‘service dog’ in the cabin of the plane, saying that the necessary documents were not available.  According to the company, a medical certificate stating that ‘the passenger has a physical problem and requires the assistance of such a dog’ is mandatory . 

‘Peace Dog’ Aloka’s Kathmandu trip

‘A service dog is a dog specially trained to assist people who are blind, hearing impaired or have other health challenges,’ Kumar said, ‘The passenger must submit a medical certificate stating that such assistance is required.  They had the dog’s health documents, but there was no certificate stating that the passenger needed a service dog.’ 

According to him, this is why the travel permit could not be given on the first flight . But since Bhikshu Pannakara is a religious figure and the matter is of a special nature, the company discussed it at a high level and made special arrangements .  ‘Since this is a special situation, we decided to facilitate,’ he told Kantipur, ‘they have finally been sent to Delhi.’