BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is a trained commercial pilot, is seen using the aircraft’s public announcement system to acknowledge the presence of the ministers onboard.
Jitendra Singh shared a photo with Rudy, calling it a privilege to be flown by a long-time colleague and accomplished pilot.
A video showing BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is also a trained commercial pilot, has gone viral after he gave a mid-air welcome to Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitendra Singh on a Jammu–Delhi IndiGo flight.
Rudy was reportedly in command of the aircraft. The exact date of the journey has not been disclosed. The clip, first shared by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on X, shows Rudy using the aircraft’s public announcement system to acknowledge the presence of the ministers onboard.
In the recording, Rudy is heard warmly addressing passengers and highlighting the presence of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Jitendra Singh. He is seen greeting them as part of the travelling delegation and extending a formal welcome on behalf of the flight crew.
Received a warm welcome mid-air from our dear friend and esteemed senior, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, when he was piloting the Indigo flight from Jammu to Delhi.Moments like these reflect the warmth of camaraderie beyond public life—truly memorable. ✈️@RajivPratapRudy pic.twitter.com/2ffqNWTXmy
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) May 1, 2026
“We have a very special guest today traveling with us,” Rudy says in the announcement, before naming the senior ministers onboard and thanking them for flying on the service.
Jitendra Singh later posted the video on X, calling the moment as a memorable experience.
“Moments like these reflect the warmth of camaraderie beyond public life,” Singh wrote. He also shared a photograph with Rudy, calling it a privilege to be flown by a long-time colleague and accomplished pilot.
IndiGo also responded to the post, writing, “We are delighted to know that Pilot’s warm mid-air announcement made your journey even more memorable. Moments like these truly reflect the warmth and human connection that make flying special. Looking forward to welcoming you onboard again soon.”
Rudy is known to be the only sitting Member of Parliament in India holding a commercial pilot’s licence. He is qualified to fly Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft and is understood to fly on an honorary basis to maintain his flying credentials.
A former Civil Aviation Minister, Rudy has previously flown commercial flights with several high-profile passengers, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
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