Bhubaneswar: Although the Centre has extended the use of `500 and `1,000 notes for booking air tickets up to November 14 midnight, one airline operating from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) has put up notices on its website that it will not accept these notes as legal tender.
Interestingly, the airline which put up the notice on its website following the Prime Minster scrapping old `500 and `1000 notes, has failed to follow the later announcement.
“Pursuant to the announcement made by Hon’ble Prime Minister, GoAir will not be accepting `500 and `1,000 denomination currency notes with effect from November 9 for any service,” said GoAir’s website.
Other airlines – Air India, IndiGo and Air Vistara – have confirmed that they will accept these notes up to Monday midnight.
BPIA officials assured they will look into the issue and will take necessary steps. “The airline must implement government orders and should respond to genuine needs of the passengers,” said BPIA director R Mahalingam.
This was the status till the last report was filed Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, ruckus prevailed at a branch of Punjab National Bank at Bomikhal in Rasulgarh area of the city when the bank staff left for lunch. Many customers and others who were waiting for their turns to exchange old notes expressed their anger.
There was a chaotic situation after the banking hour resumed at the branch. PNN
