Flight delays often lead to frustration and restlessness among passengers, but Union Minister Piyush Goyal used the situation to set a different example. While waiting for his delayed flight to Auckland, New Zealand, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Commerce and Industry Minister was seen converting his waiting time into a productive work session.
Sitting at the airport lounge, Goyal spread out official documents, reviewing and signing files as if the delay was part of his daily schedule. His focused demeanour caught the attention of fellow passengers and journalists, one of whom asked how he managed to stay productive amid an uncertain schedule.
“Why waste the extra time we have? Since the flight is delayed, we can use this time to send out more instructions so the work continues here,” Goyal responded with a smile.
The moment, captured and shared on social media, quickly went viral, drawing praise for the minister’s disciplined approach. While most travellers spend such delays scrolling through their phones or venting about airline schedules, Goyal’s calm and industrious attitude offered a lesson in time management.
He later shared a brief reflection, emphasising the importance of using every opportunity meaningfully: “Every minute counts, whether in office, at home, or even while waiting for a flight.”
#WATCH | Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, “Why should we waste time? My flight is a little delayed…For about 20 years, discussions have been going on in New Zealand for FTA (Free Trade Agreement) but it was not getting done due to some or the reason. It was set aside. PM Modi… https://t.co/fIkXtr2BTu pic.twitter.com/afQziBfuGD
— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025
Goyal was en route to New Zealand as part of India’s ongoing discussions to finalise a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a negotiation that has been under consideration for nearly two decades.
Speaking to reporters before departure, the minister said, “Conversations around an FTA have been happening for about 20 years, but were repeatedly pushed aside due to various reasons.” He added that the renewed push came under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, which focuses on strengthening India’s global partnerships and trade networks.
“Expanding our trade with developed nations is a crucial part of achieving a developed India by 2047. The FTA with New Zealand will help open markets, boost exports, and create employment opportunities back home,” Goyal said.
According to the minister, discussions between the two nations have been progressing “for the past six months,” and there is now “a real possibility of an FTA very soon.”
As one social media user remarked, “He didn’t just wait for the flight, he made every minute fly.”
