Air India pilot strike halts international bookings
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The ongoing Air India pilot strike has resulted in the national carrier halting international bookings until 15 May. The move comes as pilots continue
to strike for the fifth consecutive day today. According to reports, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over this issue.
Close to 12 Air India flights were cancelled this morning, while 46 pilots have been given pink slips. Meanwhile, pilots from Kingfisher Airlines also reported sick in order to protest against the non-payment of their salaries. Seven Kingfisher flights are known to have cancelled today.
On Thursday, the number of Air India pilots on sick leave numbered 400 while 20 flights were affected, prompting the airline’s management to move the Supreme Court, seeking contempt of court proceedings against the pilots. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday restrained Air India pilots, who have been taking mass sick leave since 7 May, from continuing with the illegal strike.
“If they (pilots) are not willing to follow the court order, why would they listen to me. If a lot of pilots keep reporting sick, it will cause disruption. But the prospect of disruption is not going to stop us from taking firm action. Nobody is indispensable. The government won’t bow to the pilots’ demand,” Singh said.
