FIA calls off August 18 private airlines strike

New Delhi, Aug 2(ANI): In a major respite to air passengers the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) on Sunday called off its proposed strike, announced earlier by the private airlines to protest against high airport charges and high taxation on ATF prices.

The strike was called off by the FIA on behalf of airlines, including Kingfisher, Jetair, GoAir, Spicejet and Indigo.

According to reports, the FIA officials said that the decision to call off the proposed strike was being been taken in view of public sentiment and potential inconvenience that the suspension of flights could have caused to thousands of passengers, and following the willingness of Government to have proper dialogue.

The FIA on Sunday said that it hoped to hold a productive discussion with the Government, which might lead to a solution of the problems presently being faced by the aviation industry.

Earlier, MDLR Airlines, Paramount Airlines, Spice jet and IndiGo had withdrawn their participation in the protest and decided not to suspend flights on August 18.

Following reports of the strike, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had warned the private airlines which were participating in the strike of punitive action for causing inconvenience to passengers. (ANI)